Medical projects are a big boost to this area's overall economy

News about the recession and efforts to reboot the U.S. economy haven't been all gloomy, even though unemployment, plant closings and government bailouts have grabbed most of the headlines. In the Cape Girardeau area, construction of medical facilities is one particularly bright spot.

Currently, there are four major projects underway or planned, three in Cape Girardeau and one in Perryville, Mo.

Perryville County Memorial Hospital plans to replace its patient-care wing, surgical unit and care center. When completed, the project will provide for all the patient-care rooms to be private.

In Cape Girardeau, Cardiovascular Consultants, a large medical group specializing in heart care, is beginning construction on its new facility at Bloomfield Road and Broadview Street, the site of the former K's Merchandise building. The building will double the space for Cardiovascular Consultants.

Both hospitals in Cape Girardeau also have major construction projects underway.

Saint Francis Medical Center expects to open its new Heart Hospital and Cancer Institute by summer 2011. The new facility is attached to the main hospital.

Southeast Missouri Hospital is constructing its Regional Cancer Center on Mount Auburn Road near I-55. The hospital plans to open the new cancer center by December 2010.

All of these projects are pumping the local economy by providing jobs to construction workers who spend much of what they earn right here in Southeast Missouri. And these facilities are expected to provide additional job opportunities as staffing positions are filled when they open for business.

All of this is good news for the area's economy.