HOSPITAL EXPANSION WILL BENEFIT THE ENTIRE REGION

There's no question the medical community plays a critical role in the development of Cape Girardeau and the entire region. The city's fine medical facilities draw people from a three-state area. Once finished with medical appointments, many out-of-town visitors remain for retail and entertainment activities. That, in turn, generates sales tax dollars. As medical facilities here prosper, so does Cape Girardeau.

That's why the news of Southeast Missouri Hospital's extensive expansion plans is so noteworthy. Construction of a 105,000-square-foot clinical services building will be a major component of the hospital's $30 million expansion project. The three-phase project will extend over five years.

The expansion will provide a ripple of economic benefits to the region. On the surface, 50 to 60 jobs will be created. But the construction work alone will provide a boon to the local economy. The expanded services and facilities will hopefully continue to draw a growing patient load into the community.

As part of the project, the hospital will expand its outpatient facilities. About 70 percent of all surgeries are done on an outpatient basis, and Southeast is nearing its capacity on outpatient service.

The expansion project appears well planned by Southeast Hospital officials. The land is also secured and properly zoned. Financing has been obtained by the recent sale of hospital revenue bonds. If state approval is received, construction could begin later this year.

This expansion project should not be eyed suspiciously as a way to boost medical costs. With smaller hospitals closing in the region, a greater demand will be placed on regional medical facilities. Hospitals must equip today to meet the growing medical demands of tomorrow, and that includes treatment of an aging society.

The expansion of Southeast Hospital offers a good prognosis for the future economic health of the Cape Girardeau region.