On Tuesday, the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board unanimously approved the Certificate of Need (CON) application for Saint Anthony's Health Center’s $67 million expansion project. Groundbreaking for construction to begin is planned for later this summer or early fall.
“Praise God – it’s a great day for Saint Anthony’s,” said Sister M. Mikela, Chairman of the Board and Vice President of Mission Stewardship. Sister Mikela, along with President & CEO Mark Weber, presented testimony to the Planning Board which detailed plans for the historic project, which includes a state-of-the-art diagnostic center and emergency room renovation, as well as an additional 28-bed patient wing with all private rooms and conversion of current patient rooms to private, adding nearly 51,000 square feet to the existing Saint Anthony’s Hospital.
“With our investment in the latest technology and medical equipment, Saint Anthony’s will have advanced diagnostic services, allowing area residents to receive high level health care right here in their own community,” noted Weber.
Expansion plans for the emergency room call for the construction of additional observation rooms to supplement the existing 15 beds, an enhanced nurse’s station and family waiting room area.
With the modernization of existing patient rooms to private rooms and a new 28-bed private wing, patients and their families will have much deserved privacy during their hospital stays, according to E.J. Kuiper, Chief Operating Officer for Saint Anthony’s. “Private rooms are the industry standard in today’s market, offer a better healing environment for the patients and allowing our Mission Partners to provide a more efficient and personalized approach to patient care,” noted Kuiper.
Along with the building construction, new parking lots will be constructed, totaling approximately 360 surface level spaces on the northeast portion of the Saint Anthony’s campus.
For more information call 618/465-2264.