You can expect some new changes at Memorial Hospital in Chester over the next several months. The Hospital will begin a 5 year renovation project starting April 23rd. This summer, the Hospital will begin installing a new front entrance canopy and main entrance renovation. The main entrance will be closed from April 23rd-28th for initial preparation and then again beginning May 21st and running for 12 weeks for canopy construction. The Emergency Room entrance will become the main entrance during this period. Memorial Hospital asks that patients and visitors who are not using handicap parking, Emergency Room and Convenient Care services to continue to park in the main parking lot, leaving the ER spots for patients needing immediate care or handicap parking. There will also be additional patient parking along Memorial Drive next to the Emergency Room Parking.
The canopy bid was awarded to Lake Contracting of Addieville, Illinois for $305,493. The new structure will provide a covered drop off and pick up area to protect patients from the weather. During the construction of the new canopy, the front lobby will also be renovated, making it the main admitting area for non-emergent services.
Though the outside will not change much, Memorial Hospital is beginning a multiphase remodel plan with the goal of improving patient flow, staff workflow, safety, and an upgrade to efficient utilities while utilizing the existing square footage. Many patient care departments will be relocated from the basement to the main floor during the process including: specialty clinics, cardiopulmonary, nuclear medicine and lab services. “These renovations are necessary to provide patients easier access to healthcare services they need. The renovations will also create a better workflow for the employees,” stated Brett Bollmann, CEO. In 2019 the hospital will begin renovation on the South Wing which will become the new home for the inpatient Med-Surg and Intensive Care Unit. The new Med-Surg unit will provide state-of-the-art technology with more spacious private rooms.
While the Hospital undergoes this multi-phase remodel, the patients will still have access to the same quality care they currently experience. The ER will continue to remain open 24/7 as the facility is improved to provide the best care possible to the community.
The outpatient admitting and patient accounts desks at the newly renovated main entrance are now open! Emergency and convenient care patents will still be admitted through the ER desk.
