Mt. Vernon, IL, August 6, 2010 – Crossroads Community Hospital has announced plans for a major expansion to their current facility, pending approval from the Illinois State Health Facilities Planning Board. Chief Executive Officer Ed Cunningham announced the application for the proposed $20 million expansion project at a Friday press conference.

The hospital is following a master plan developed in the mid-1990's to expand and renovate the facility in concert with the community's evolving healthcare needs. The newest expansion will allow the hospital to upgrade patient care areas with the latest healthcare technology to enhance services, patient safety, and the patient experience. Plan projects completed over the past fifteen years include the Emergency Room addition, construction of a medical office building, Intensive Care Unit and Surgical Suite expansions and renovations.

"This new patient tower is a culmination of many years of planning and takes advantage of the air space above the hospital," said Cunningham. "This will allow flexibility for continued growth as Crossroads Hospital continues to work through its strategic business plan to serve our community in the coming years."

The expansion will connect the northern-most and southern-most wings of the hospital and the area now known as the "courtyard" will be filled with a modern 3-story structure stretching eastward. All ancillary departments will move to the front of the building near the Emergency and Surgery departments, increasing convenience for patients seeking multiple services.

The new first floor will house the Radiology and Respiratory Therapy departments, Laboratory, and Admitting area. The Emergency and Surgery departments will be expanded and a new gift shop will be added. A new 250-seat conference center will provide space for healthcare education and community seminars. The hospital plans to make the space available to community partners. A new administrative suite will be adjacent to the conference center.

Entering the hospital through the new entrance, a bank of elevators on the left will take visitors to the all-private patient care rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Pod-based nursing units will support the staff and their ability to provide efficient, timely care.

In addition to providing more care to the community, this project and the recent expansions of the Intensive Care Unit and Surgery Department will give Crossroads Hospital more ability to recruit, attract, and retain physicians who play a critical role in caring for the community.

The local economy will also benefit from the jobs created during construction and the hospital's increased property tax basis once complete.

Following approval of the certificate of need, the hospital will provide additional information regarding the project timeline.