A new patient wing now under construction will help Boone County Health Center remain “one of the best rural hospitals in Nebraska,” said one speaker at groundbreaking ceremonies Sunday afternoon, July 19.
County Commissioner Tom Schuele said the $5.77 million Phase III addition reflects the vision of its patrons, administration, the hospital board and staff. He commended the hospital board for taking steps to continually improve medical care for the area.
The best part, said Schuele, is that no tax dollars will be used for the project. It will be entirely paid for from hospital revenues.
The plans and timeline for the project were reviewed by Vic Lee, hospital president and chief executive officer. The new construction will include 14 new, private patient rooms, two new obstetrical suites and a large private family suite for terminally ill patients on the main floor. The basement of the new wing will house an enlarged area for Health Information Management and Purchasing and Central Supply.
After the addition is complete, the existing patient rooms will be renovated as private rooms. This will provide the hospital with 25 private patient rooms at the conclusion of the project.
