—photo provided by Marshall County Hospital || The most recent aerial photo of the new Marshall County Hospital shows a completed main building exterior and administrative office building.

From artist's rendering to work of art

New hospital on target
to be completed
by late January


By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier News Editor
mstrader@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – The sights and sounds of progress can be heard the minute you step into the construction zone at the new Marshall County Hospital.

The picturesque artist rendering of the hospital was unveiled earlier this year, and has since been transformed into an up-and-coming architectural work of art.

While the ambitious construction project for the new 65,000 square-feet, $31 million facility began just nine months ago, it’s right on schedule for completion at the one-year mark according to the hospital’s Public Relations and Foundation Director Marica Smith.

“While the hospital is being finished in various stages, it is about 80 percent complete,” Smith said.

In a recent walk-through of the facility, Smith pointed out notable milestones in progress being made.

“Both of the hospital’s administrative buildings are complete and final cleanup has been scheduled,” Smith said. “The medical office buildings are about a third of the way finished, as well.”

Ceilings are now being placed and 75 percent of the walls have been primed for paint. Decorative tile work adorns each of the 25 private patient rooms.

Kitchen equipment for the facility was recently delivered and installed, providing a sneak peek into the future cafeteria and serving area of the hospital.

The expansive landscaping project is also underway, adding vibrance and life to several of the outdoor courtyard garden areas.

Work on the remaining blacktop was expected to be completed last week and construction on the facility’s entrance turn lanes has began Monday of last week.

With more than 20 local contractors involved in the project, it is estimated the new facility has injected more than $25 million into the local economy.

Expected to open to the public sometime in March, the 25-bed critical care access hospital will offer ambulance and emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, acute and intensive care, as well as satellite offices for physicians and surgeons.

The One Stop Clinic, a joint partnership between the health department and the hospital, will offer mammograms and female examinations.

Several physicians have already signed on to offer their services at the new facility; Dr. Ruben Cuadrado – Gastroenterology, Dr. Charles Ransler – Urology, Dr. Jonathan Wynstra - OB/GYN, Dr. J. Gould and Dr. Luis - Concepcion - Oncology and Dr. Susan Mueller - OB/GYN.

Outpatient services are set to include laboratory, cardiopulmonary, radiology and rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy and speech/language pathology.

The hospital will offer surgical services such as general, orthopedic and other specialized services.

The new Home Health Agency will provide RNs, LPNs, SRNAs, rehab therapists and dieticians, all available for physician ordered home visits.

The facility’s surgical group will be comprised of Drs. Kim Hall & Kim Bradley, ARNP, Family Practice and Dr. Claude Saint-Jacques, Orthopedics.

Smith extended another note of thanks to Benton businessman Tom Haltom and family who donated the funds needed to construct one of the hospital’s medical buildings.

It will be named in honor of the Haltom family and a street adjoining the hospital will bear the name of Haltom’s son, Steven.

Donations are still being accepted, including funds to furnish patient rooms. The cost is $10,000 per room, Smith advised. A plaque bearing the donor’s name will be displayed in their honor.

Smaller donations are also being accepted in the amount of $1,500 for the purpose of providing flat screen televisions in patient rooms. Appreciation plates will adorn the units in the donor’s honor, as well.

Custom engraved bricks are also still available in honor or in memory of a loved one for $150.

Smith said the bricks will be used to create a decorative courtyard located inside the facility. Order forms can be obtained by contacting Smith at 527-4856.

Smith said a grand opening ceremony is planned for Sunday, Feb. 22

“If weather permits, we’d like to have a parade that extends from the old facility to our new one. It will really be an event worth celebrating.”