Providence Announces Major Expansion

07/05/06

Waco, Texas - The Providence Healthcare Network today announced plans for a major expansion to accommodate current and projected future growth in utilization.  Included in the $48.5 million dollar project will be an expansion of the Emergency Department beds from 26 to 50, operating suites from 9 to 15, intensive care unit beds from 16 to 20, labor/delivery/recovery/post-partum (LDRP) beds from 9 to 11, and expansion of pulmonary and respiratory services, the radiology department, laboratory services, rehabilitation services, outpatient services, the medical record department, nutrition and dietary services, and classroom space.  The addtions will include a 10-bed acuity-adaptabe unit, 30-bed cardiac nursing unit, a 30-bed pre-operative holding area, a surgery physicians' lounge and changing area, an expanded congestive heart failure clinic, a relocated non-invasive cardiology services unit, a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation unit, and two shelled floors for future expansion.

The project will be financed entirely with hospital reserves and philanthropic gifts.  The lead gift is from F.M. and Gloria Young.  In recognition of their gift, the new 5-story addition at the front of the hospital will be named the F.M. and Gloria Davis Young Tower.

In making the announcement, Kent Keahey, President of the Providence Healthcare Network, noted that Providence has experienced significant growth over the years, and this growth has been accelerating in recent years.  Continuation of this growth is expected with future population growth in the county and aging of the population.

The project is expected to commence in September and will take approximately 24 months to complete.  Architects for the project are Joe Raso, Grant Dudley, and Bernadette Hookham of RBDR, PlLC.  Construction manager for the project will be CMCT, Ltd., Mike Jackson, President, and John East, Vice President.  Local contractors will be utilized to the maximum extent possible.