SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (KTIV) -
Parts of Lakes Regional Healthcare, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, are 50 years old. Administrators say it's time for a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation, that'll bring in some new tech and a better atmosphere for patients.
"It'll be the biggest renovation and expansion since the hospital was built," said Hospital President and CEO Jason Harrington.
It'll be 40,000 square feet of new and remodeled space on the hospital's east side. The plan is to add on to accommodate Dickinson County's growth, plus, update an aging hospital.
"In 50 years' time, the practice of medicine, the technology associated with that, the patient expectations, all of those things have changed dramatically," said Harrington.
Three areas in the facility will get a healthy make over, the critical care unit, surgical services and the obstetrics unit.
"We are taking the input from patients, staff and surgeons and it's making the space very efficient," said Director of Surgical Services Robyn Paulsen.
Doctors will get new tech and patients will get more comfort, with more rooms, space and privacy, changes some staff can't wait for.
"We're just waiting in anticipation, like those new moms waiting for their babies," said Obstetrics Supervisor Katie Furman.
Cost for the project is about $20 million. To pay for it, the hospital is partnering with the county to get a lower interest rate on their bond. Hospital administrators say it'll save them millions.
"We would spend between three and five million dollars more in interest over 20 years, then if we used this creative financing option through the county," said Harrington.
Groundbreaking is expected to begin in fall, with construction taking 18 months.
