Southwest Medical Center to host public forum

Southwest Medical Centerź??s mission statement is simple, but to the point: ź??We Careź?ť. And now they would like an opportunity to show just how much they are willing to invest in the communityź??s future.

A spokesperson for the local healthcare facility announced recently that they will be hosting two public meetings to discuss the proposed $21,325,000 building project.

ź??It is very important that we provide information to the community regarding our proposed building project and its cost, need and benefit to the community,ź?ť explained SWMC President and CEO Norm Lambert.

Southwest Medical Center was built in 1964 with the tower added in 1991.

Lambert announced at a combined Seward County Commission and Southwest Medical Center Board of Trusteesź?? meeting in June, that after 18 months of planning, a new building project is being proposed. The new project will cost an estimated $21,325,000, of which $16.1 million would be funded via a proposed bond financing and $5.2 million from the hospitalź??s cash reserves.

ź??As has occurred with all previous bond financings, SWMC will pay off this projectź??s bonds from the hospitalź??s annual operations – with no tax support required from Seward County residents,ź?ť Lambert pointed out.

The project will include an expansion and remodel of the emergency room, admissions and front lobby area, as well as expansion of the radiology department to accommodate a new MRI, upgrade of much of the 45-year-old infrastructure (such as boilers), remodel of the surgery area and construction of a new medical office building.

ź??These additions will improve workflow and comfort, convenience and privacy for patients,ź?ť Lambert explained. ź??New infrastructure upgrades will replace much of the heating and A/C systems which are beyond useful life age limits.ź?ť

ź??The Medical Office Building will assist SWMC in the difficult and ongoing task of attracting additional physicians to the community by showcasing modern, up-to-date facilities,ź?ť Lambert said.

Anyone interested in learning more about this project is invited to attend one of two meetings that will take place at the First National Bank Community Room on July 23 and 28. The meetings will begin at 7 p.m.