HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital – Breese (Ill.) on Sept. 7 is starting a $9.5 million expansion project to expand its ambulatory surgery services, according to the Belleville News-Democrat.
The hospital, which currently houses 69 beds, will build a one-story surgical wing that will include 22 private rooms. Hospital officials say the expansion is intended to offer patients and families more privacy. Additionally, the new facility will eliminate the need to transport patients across the hospital from surgical suites to their rooms.
"Our patients requested that the process be more discrete, and we listened," said Paulette Evans, president and CEO of HSHS St. Joseph's – Breese. "All ambulatory surgery needs will be cared for in a private area, away from the bustling main halls of the hospital."
The project will begin Sept. 7, as soon as the hospital's helipad is temporarily relocated to the specialty clinic parking lot. The 13-month project is expected to be completed in December 2017, according to the report.