Brookings Health System

News

Brookings Health System is growing to meet the region's needs. The largest expansion project in the history of Brookings Health System is about to begin.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, to kick off the construction process for an expanded Emergency Department and Laboratory. The event will be held in the ambulance garages on the campus of the Brookings Health System at noon.

"The $4.5 million construction project will result in new technology, dedicated specialized exam and treatment spaces, and reduced wait times for the ED, said Roger B. Oberg, CEO and administrator at Brookings Health System.

The ED will be expanded from 5 rooms to 11 rooms, with three trauma rooms and new spaces for orthopedic, obstetric, pediatric, and psychiatric patients. The renovations will also incorporate enhanced security measures and a new internal communication system. In addition, the laboratory will receive a new waiting area and additional drawing room, which will enhance patient privacy and increase efficiency.

"This truly is a celebration for us," said Keith Corbett, president of the Board of Trustees for the Brookings Health System. "We are looking forward to this project being completed to better serve the region's health care needs."

Mills Construction of Brookings has been selected as the general contractor for the project.

In order to make way for progress, the south entrance to the ED will be closed starting November 9, 2009 and will remain so for at least 6 months.

During the construction period, patients who will be using the ED services are asked to access the facility by using the main hospital entrance. There will be directional signs available to guide patients and family members.

The first phase of the project is estimated to be completed by November 2010.

The public is encouraged to watch for specific pieces of communication regarding changes and updates in construction in the upcoming months. The Brookings Health System will provide our region with frequent updates on our web site (brookingshealth.org) as well as print and radio announcements.