Marshall Browning Hospital To Celebrate Expansion With Community Open House

Du Quoin, IL - Marshall Browning Hospital's expansion is nearly complete. The hospital is planning an Open House with guided tours for the public from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2007. Tours will begin in the main lobby at the front entrance.

The $7.7 million expansion - the largest in the hospital's 85-year history - has literally transformed the campus. The 22,000 square foot addition created 25 private patient rooms, each with its own private shower and restroom. Four of the rooms have direct observation capabilities from the nurses station. The wing also features the following new areas: a surgical suite and an endoscopy suite, a dedicated pre and post-op outpatient surgery area, a spacious laboratory, an expanded pharmacy, and an inpatient activity and rehab area. Convenient parking is an additional compliment to the new building.

Along with the visible construction, the hospital is implementing many new technology improvements which include a telephone system, a nurse call system, a health information system, a Pyxis® medication system and C-arm for the surgical suite.

The hospital will host a special celebration for the MBH family - physicians, employees, Auxiliary volunteers and Annual Giving Club members on December 6th.
William Huff, CEO, said that "the staff played a critical role in the design phase. We listened carefully to what they had to say, especially with regards to privacy and more space. In the end, I think we achieved our goal of creating an environment that is comfortable and healing and at the same time efficient, orderly and functional."
The hospital will begin a second phase of the project once patients and staff are moved to the new wing. The second floor of the 1972 building will be renovated for Health Information Services, Patient Accounts, Administration, Human Resources, Marketing, Support Services, Nursing Administration, Materials Management, and Environmental Services. The completion date for this project is anticipated to be April 2008.

Harold Rice, Board President, said "We're excited about the future of Marshall Browning Hospital. We have some of the finest, most dedicated healthcare professionals working here." Rice said the new wing is beautiful, well planned and the community will be very proud when they see it.

The expansion project has created a new Marshall Browning Hospital poised to meet the healthcare needs of Perry County and the surrounding communities for many years to come. But don't take our word for it - come in and see for yourself on Sunday, December 9th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away.