St. Francis breaks ground on new health center

A groundbreaking for St. Francis Medical Center's new $19.7 million health center was held Tuesday, marking the beginning of construction for the facility that is expected to be completed by fall 2004.

About 75 community members, employees and board members attended the groundbreaking for the new Health and Wellness Center, what the hospital describes as a medically integrated fitness facility.

The four-story, 134,000-square-foot center will integrate outpatient rehabilitation, sports medicine, health and wellness programs and fitness center services.

According to a hospital news release, this approach provides an effective continuum of care for patients in therapy, athletes working to improve performance and adults wanting to get in shape regardless of their capabilities or health status.

Proximity to the Catholic-based hospital will support appropriate cross-referral of patients and cost-effective sharing of equipment and personnel.

FitnessPlus, a medical fitness center within the new Health and Wellness Center, will offer services to fit various health profiles and fitness goals of each person served. Features of the new facility include a four-lane lap pool, exercise pool, warm water therapy pool, co-ed whirlpool, exercise studios, contemporary locker rooms with saunas and steam rooms, family changing rooms and a deli.