MDH Breaks Ground on DKSWC

MACOMB, Ill. – A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday (June 14) to celebrate the start of the Dolores Kator Switzer Women’s Center (DKSWC) at McDonough District Hospital.

The event began with a welcome by MDH President/CEO Kenny Boyd. Vicky Kipling, Department Leader of MDH Foundation, followed with remarks about the DKSWC and history of the initial donation in 2014 made by the late Dick Switzer (passed away on October 19, 2016) in honor of his wife Dolores, who passed away on the same day three years prior.

MDH Board of Directors Vice Chairman Dr. Andrew Baker spoke on behalf of the Board, and Macomb Mayor Mike Inman added comments on the project.

“This project has been a long time in the making. I’d like to thank the providers in our women’s health services for the great job they do and the Board of Directors for approving this project, which will give us the facilities that will match the quality of the providers we have delivering outstanding care to the women throughout our region on a daily basis,” said MDH President/CEO Kenny Boyd.

Representatives from area businesses and several individuals – all who have made major donations to the project – took part in the first official shovel in the dirt ceremony.

“I’m very privileged to be a part of the Women’s Center and to have known Dick and Dolores Switzer very well. I’m so happy to see this project come to fruition in memory of Dolores Kator Switzer,” said Vicky Kipling, Leader of MDH Foundation. “It will bring so many new services to the women in our community.”

Currently, the obstetrics and nursery area is located on the first floor. Work has begun on the second floor to temporarily accommodate the department during the renovation process then move back to the first floor upon completion. The plans will feature seven obstetrics beds in six rooms, three Labor-Delivery-Recovery rooms, and renovations to the OB/Imaging waiting rooms, nursery area and imaging center.

The imaging component of the DKSWC expansion includes: diagnostic imaging, new waiting area, and expanding and remodeling the suites for 3-D digital mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound and bone density screenings.

For more information on the Dolores Kator Switzer Women’s Center, or to donate to the project, log onto www.MDH.org or call the MDH Foundation Office at (309) 836-1757.