DENNISON –Twin City Hospital is officially announcing today a $10 million dollar, 26,000 square foot expansion to the hospital campus to include a new Emergency Department, Surgery Department, Cardio-Pulmonary Department, Imaging Center, and Laboratory.  The new Ambulatory Center will be connected to the existing hospital via an elevator tower.  Construction for the new facility will commence in the summer 2006 and is expected to be completed by January 2008.

 

 

Carol Hoffman, President of the Board of Trustees said, “Twin City Hospital has a long history.  Since 1912, when a small group of locals decided it was time to take a step out in faith and plant a hospital on the hill, through today, quality care is still the mission.  The communities surrounding this hospital are made up of friendly hometown people and businesses that support each other.  The hospital has been supported by the people in these communities for 93 years.  Upgrades have been made over the years, but the Emergency Department has been long past due.  The face and the first impression of the hospital lies in the Emergency Department, and we want those who come here to see what TCH is all about - Exceptional People Providing Exceptional Care.  Just like our predecessors who decided it was time to build a hospital, the board feels it’s now time for us to step out in faith and make our hospital even better than ever.  We never want it to be a hospital where numbers are more important than the quality care we give.  We’re going to be asking for community support and hopefully everyone will feel the loyalty felt in 1912 and be able to say “I played a part in that, too”.

 

 

The new Ambulatory Center is planned in response to an anticipated growth of 10-25% in annual Emergency Service Department visits in the coming years.  Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Marge Jentes, said, “To better serve our communities and the surrounding areas, and to provide the finest healthcare services to our friends and neighbors, we are moving ahead with this expansion.  During our last survey, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) recommended changes and upgrades to our Emergency Department.  Also, stronger standards in patient flow, privacy, and overcrowding require us to build a new facility.  We need to remain competitive.  Our facility and infrastructure can’t support the newest technologies, and our space is currently very limited.  The increased volumes we are seeing in our Emergency Department mean increased volumes in our other outpatient services and the reason we are looking at building this state of the art ambulatory center.  Our surrounding communities have been very supportive and it’s time we put our 21^st Century technology and outstanding staff into a building designed for the 21^st Century.” 

 

The hospital addition is expected to provide at a minimum 10 new jobs for the community.  These new jobs would generate an increase of over $297,000 in new salaries, and $39,000+ in new city, state, and federal income taxes from these salaries. In addition, there will be an increase in new construction jobs and subsequent city and state services.

 

“Our doctors and hospital staff are of the highest quality, and we need to match the building to the level of our care,” says Nathan Feiber, Twin City Medical Group Administrator.  Dr. Rey Marquino, Chief of the Twin City Hospital Medical Staff, said, “The medical staff feels very excited at the prospect of additional growth.  The larger improved Emergency Department will certainly be a welcome addition, and the improved patient flow of the Ambulatory Center should result in even greater patient satisfaction.”

 

According to Sue Walters, RN, Emergency Department Nurse Manager, “Patients will be pleased with the process of being greeted by the triage nurse. Triage will optimize patient flow and decrease overcrowding.”   Joyce Schrickel, Chief Nursing Officer, added, “Our current Emergency Department is an open department.  The new Emergency Department will have private rooms and the square footage to house all the technologies to take care of our friends and neighbors.  Our current Surgery and Emergency Department spaces are crowded with IV pumps, slit lamps, crash carts and the like.  It will be extremely good to have the room to accommodate our patients.  The environment will be more functional and pleasing for our patients, as well as our staff.  The same day surgery unit and recovery room features will make the prep and hold times less cumbersome and promote the effective allocation of resources be it personnel or equipment.”

 

The planned addition to the hospital will provide a more convenient flow for hospital services, with an added advantage to outpatients of being all on one floor.  The new addition will also provide much more convenient parking for patients needing quick and exclusive access to the new Ambulatory Center.

 

Teri Edwards, Executive Director, of the Twin City Chamber of Commerce, said, “For over 90 years Twin City Hospital has been providing top-quality healthcare and services to the residents of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.  When businesses look at an area for relocation, expansion, or to start operations, one of the first considerations are the medical treatment facilities.  We have always been proud to have the Twin City Hospital in our community.  The hospital has played a vital role throughout the history of our towns, and by supporting the endeavors to build a new enhanced facility, the Twin City Chamber is working to ensure the economic growth and well-being for future generations.”

 

The Twin City Hospital Capital Campaign Steering Committee will immediately begin a $10M fundraising campaign to pay for the new facilities.  According to Rick Rieger, Planning and Development Coordinator at the Hospital, “I am truly excited and proud to be a part of such a significant project for our area.  The communities which Twin City Hospital serves have been steadfast and generous supporters of this not-for-profit hospital

for many years.  We are extremely grateful for their generosity and assistance, and we hope to have their continued support for this state of the art expansion project.  With the continued collaboration of the surrounding communities, Twin City Hospital will continue to grow to new heights in healthcare for future generations.”  

 

For information on the new expansion or how you can help, please contact Rick Rieger, Planning and Development Coordinator, (740) 922-7450 x2345.