MDH RENOVATIONS START FOR LABORATORY, STAIR TOWER AND RADIOLOGY

With the completion of surgical services renovations on the south and east corridors of the first floor of McDonough District Hospital, the construction focus moves to laboratory expansion, creation of a west stairwell and elevator, and improvements to radiology, which will include the addition of a new digital mammography unit and a dressing room area for women.

While the renovations to the hospital facility will continue without interruption to patient services, work on the west stairwell project adjacent to the Emergency Room entrance will require temporary fencing and altered configuration of the entranceway during periods of the construction. The fencing and altered entranceway are necessary to maintain safety of the construction site for persons entering the hospital and construction workers.

The stairwell and elevator will not only improve access, but bring the building into compliance with building code requirements for newly constructed facilities. Bishop Brothers of Peoria was awarded the $2,019,700 bid for the laboratory space expansion and stairwell elevator project.

“McDonough District Hospital is committed to improving the delivery of services to patients,” said President/CEO Stephen Hopper. “The current project for laboratory, radiology and a new west stair and elevator tower will enhance the flow of patients and diagnostic services at the hospital.”

The hospital continues to prepare plans for a proposed remodeling and expansion of Emergency Room (ER) facilities and additional parking for the hospital. The ER project would provide improved privacy and service to patients. Moving the helipad to a location above the proposed entrance of the ER is under consideration.

Decisions relative to ER expansion will be made after a review of hospital finances in light of proposed national health care funding and service payment changes. The hospital may be required to obtain a certificate of need from the State before starting the project. A proposal to provide more privacy to patients by remodeling current double occupancy rooms into private rooms is also under consideration.