HSHS hospital expanding emergency, outpatient surgery capabilities

HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois, is putting $116 million into a plan to expand its emergency department and add a new outpatient surgery center.

The investment is expected to increase nursing capacity, as well as allow for advanced imaging options and medical office space. 

St. Elizabeth's Hospital President and CEO Chris Klay said at a press conference on Monday that by expanding its facilities and services, the hospital will be prepared to meet growing care demands, as well as enhance the economic climate of the region.

"Our community deserves access to high-quality care close to home, and this project ensures we can deliver that for generations to come," Klay said.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT

Preliminary design plans shared at the press conference include a $66 million expansion of the emergency department; inpatient nursing unit; and key support services such as food and nutrition, outpatient registration, and shipping and receiving.

That's on top of the $50 million investment for a new outpatient surgery center, diagnostic imaging center and medical office building, which is currently underway.

Overall, the project is expected to modernize about 35,000 square feet of space and add 19,000 square feet of new clinical space.

Additional features of the project include 32 new inpatient medical/surgical unit beds; eight new emergency department treatment rooms; a new CT scanner and relocated X-ray machines in the ED; and a new cafeteria and kitchen area.

Construction on the outpatient surgery center and medical office building began this summer and is expected to be complete by October 2026. The three-story, 70,000-square-foot building will include four new operating suites, two additional procedure rooms, six post-anesthesia care rooms, 16 prep and recovery stations and diagnostic imaging, including Open MRI, X-ray and mammography.

THE LARGER TREND

HSHS (Hospital Sisters Health System) St. Elizabeth's Hospital said it has plans to ensure that care quality is not compromised during the project's implementation, and that there will be no disruptions to care.

"These projects are an investment in the health and future of the Metro East," said Chief Operating Officer Michael Janis. "The combination of these two projects will relieve a lot of the daily throughput challenges. The hospital will also be better equipped to handle seasonal surges, like flu, that traditionally bring added patient volume. This will create a less stressful environment for staff and improve patient flow."