New Brookings Hospital Expansion Opens

After 16 months of construction, health care providers are now treating patients at the new Brookings Hospital expansion.

Health care has changed radically since Brookings Hospital first opened in 1964. Then 80% of patients stayed at overnight at the hospital, whereas today, 70% of patients come to the hospital for a procedure and leave the same day. What’s more, Brookings County has grown its population by 60% since 1964. Those factors combined with the expectations for patient privacy compelled Brookings Health System to expand and renovate the hospital.“

With our new east expansion in service, we are able to provide a higher level of patient privacy, comfort and total experience,” said CEO Jason Merkley. “We’re able to give patients easy, direct access to outpatient care services like imaging procedures and same-day surgery.

We’ve also increased our capacity, added amenities and accommodations for families and visitors, and increased efficiency in our staffing model in order to spend more time on patient care.”

The entire expansion features private patient transport corridors separated from public hallways. Features in each area include:

SURGERY

•  3 operating rooms and 2 procedure rooms
•  12 private same-day surgery rooms located near operating rooms
•  Nearby waiting room for family
•  Private consultation room for surgeon to update family on patient status

RADIOLOGY

•  Close proximity to ER with private patient transfer hallway
•  New, indoor MRI with a wide opening to accommodate patients of all body types
•  Nearby waiting room for all imaging modalities

INPATIENT CARE

•  22 private patient rooms, each with a private bathroom
and shower
•  2 intensive care (ICU) rooms
•  Spacious rooms with natural healing sunlight through large windows
•  Ample space for families and visitors to gather

OBSTETRICS

•  8 private rooms, including 5 labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP) suites
•  Private patient elevator with direct access to OR for emergency Caesarean deliveries
•  Postpartum assessment room to evaluate moms and babies 2 days after discharge

Construction of the 62,500 square-foot hospital completes the second leg of Brookings Health System’s entire hospital expansion and renovation project. Remodeling of the original 1964 building is now in full swing and is scheduled to be completed Summer 2017.

Want to learn more about the hospital expansion and renovation project? Visit www.brookingshealth.org/renovation.