Chicago Construction News staff writer
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital released renderings of the renovated façade of the building and provided an update on the hospital’s approximately $90 million modernization project, which is currently underway.
The previously announced project will feature state-of-the-art surgery suites, modern patient rooms, redesigned clinical spaces to enhance efficiency and improvements to other service areas. It also includes the removal of portions of the current campus. The project began earlier this year and is expected to span a total of three years.
“Through this modernization project, we are re-imagining our physical environment, both internally and externally, to evolve how we deliver care to our patients and how we improve workflows for our dedicated colleagues,” said Matt Fry, HSHS Central Market President and CEO. “All to continue our Mission of service to Decatur and the surrounding communities for years to come.
Other campus updates include moving the helipad from the south side of the hospital to the north side, closer to the emergency department, and extending an indoor walkway to connect the hospital to the medical office buildings.
“We are entering a new era of healthcare in Decatur. With this modernization, HSHS is dedicated to preserving St. Mary’s legacy while embracing the future of healthcare on this site,” said Damond Boatwright, HSHS President and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, as a Catholic organization, our main priority has always been—and remains—delivering high-quality care that serves the mind, body and spirit of our patients, and that’s what this project commits us to decades to come.”
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (HFSRB) voted unanimously to approve St. Mary’s Hospital’s Certificate of Need (CON) application for this major infrastructure renovation in October of 2023.