SOUTHEAST MISSOURI HOSPITAL TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY

James Wente can't wait to "get his front door back."

Wente, Southeast Missouri Hospital's administrator, along with hospital workers and patients, have been anticipating the completion of Southeast's new easy-access lobby. The lobby, which is only part of the hospital's three-phase, five year development plan, began construction in the spring of 1995.

While other work continues around the hospital, Wente said it was nice to see the lobby completed. Wente and other hospital workers and patients will have a chance to use the new addition on Monday. Citizens of Cape Girardeau and the surrounding hospital, however, will get a chance to see the new lobby one day earlier.

Southeast Missouri Hospital will open its new "front door" to the public with an open house at the hospital on Sunday and a special family entertainment event that evening.

The open house will showcase all of the final results from the hospital's $5.9 million lobby project. The project includes the lobby construction and improvements to the patient registration area, the gift shop and Lacey's on the Hill restaurant.

Recent facility improvements, including the lobby project, denote the largest expansion in Southeast's history.

Wente said that the new lobby will become "the hub of our many health resources and truly a doorway to the future of health care for generations to come."

The new additions will be open for public tours from 3 until 5 p.m. Guests may park in visitor parking areas. Hospitality shuttles will make continuous runs from those areas to the main lobby.

Sunday evening families are invited to continue the Southeast celebration by attending the Cape Girardeau debut of the Decatur Park Singers. The group, which features Cape Girardeau native Brandon Hahs, will perform at the Capaha Park Band Shell at 7 p.m. A pre-performance party will be hosted from 6:30 to 7 p.m. by the Hospital at picnic shelter No. 4 across from the Rose Garden. Light summer refreshments will be served.

"Sixty-nine years ago, in 1927, the community helped build Southeast Missouri Hospital," said Wente. "We exist because of the community, and the lobby dedication is an opportunity for us to recall why Southeast is here -- for the benefit of the community and region. We're grateful for the community support we've had over the years, and this special concert is one way we can say thank you."