Cape hospitals continue multi-million dollar expansions

Saint Francis Medical Center and Southeast Missouri Hospital are in the midst of long-term, high capital expansions of facilities and services.

At Southeast Missouri Hospital, the new 75,000-square-foot, $15 million Southeast Medical Plaza will have its first occupants in mid-February, said president and CEO James Wente. Move-ins will continue through early spring as physicians relocate their practices to the new facility.

In addition to physician offices, the plaza will house some ancillary services including outpatient MRI, radiology and a retail pharmacy.

The project includes a 306-vehicle parking garage accessed through a weather-protected link, and another link gives direct access to the hospital.

The new Medical Plaza at Southeast Missouri Hospital. (Fred Lynch)

The Southeast Medical Plaza lobby will be dedicated to the late Charles L. Hutson, who as a Board of Trustees member and board chairman, "was instrumental over the past three decades in making many progressive things happen for our hospital," said Wente.

In the hospital's Clinical Services Building, a recent expansion has increased the number of surgical operating suites from 14 to 18. Starting in early February, the rooms will be available to more than 60 physicians.

Saint Francis has completed more than 50 percent of its five-year, $48 million Master Facilities Expansion plan designed to meet the growing clinical demands of area residents.

"This project began after considerable long-term planning and input from our physician staff and employees, and we are finally beginning to enjoy the fruits of their labor," said president and CEO Steven Bjelich.

The most recently completed projects occurred in support service areas, according to Bjelich. This includes newly allocated workspace for physicians and surgeons, a research library and the relocation of laboratory services.

The Radiology Department was also a recent beneficiary of the ongoing multi-phase construction project. Bjelich said redesigned space allowed for implementation of a 64-slice CT -- a new high-tech diagnostic tool.

The medical center has developed the Health and Wellness Center, a four-story, 134,000-square-foot facility on the center's campus that contains a health-oriented deli complete with a Starbucks coffee shop. The Health and Wellness Center also houses a blend of physician offices and comprehensive services.

"This project has been so well received that the medical center has already made significant structural alterations to accommodate additional physicians interested in relocating to the facility," said Bjelich.

Saint Francis recently broke ground for a parking garage for the Health and Wellness Center, which is home to physician practices such as Cape Neurological Associates, Cape Perinatology Services, Regional Primary Care, Cape Care for Women, Southeast Missouri ENT Consultants and Cape Gynecologic Oncology. Mount Auburn Medical Group and SEMO Otolaryngology are scheduled to relocate to the new facility later this year.

Bjelich said Saint Francis Health Development Services, in conjunction with Poplar Bluff Medical Partners, recently broke ground on a medical office building in Poplar Bluff Medical Park, a 32-acre medical complex. When completed, the four-story facility will provide 94,000 square feet of physician and clinical services. About 70 percent of the building is already committed to physician offices.

"Saint Francis has always believed Poplar Bluff is a vital part of our service region," said Bjelich.