On Wednesday, September 19, the Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center community gathered in celebration for a historic event as the final beam was laid in place to complete the skeleton of the medical center’s new patient tower. The beam, which connects the new building to the current one, was etched with more than a thousand signatures of staff, physicians, city leadership, Auxilians, volunteers and visitors to the Medical Center.
“In a few moments, we will put in place the final beam on the infrastructure of our Master Facility Project’s eight-story patient tower – which not only represents a $146 million investment – but also, an ambitious endeavor which I assure you will redefine healthcare in this region,” began Jeffrey Brickman, System Senior Vice President and Regional CEO. “Beyond this is an impressive list of facilities, technologies and amenities. This construction will also allow for renovation of our existing building which will feature Will County’s first and only dedicated Women’s and Children’s center– an important and much needed innovation for our community.”
Several hospital and community leaders joined Brickman on stage to congratulate the Medical Center on the historic event, including Senator A.J. Wilhelmi; Will County Executive Larry Walsh; Representative Jack McGuire; Mayor Arthur Schultz; several Will County Board Members; Joliet Councilmen and Councilwomen; Steven Hunter, FACHE, the new Provena Health President and CEO; and Mark Hanson, Esq., Chairman of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s board
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Will County Executive Larry Walsh, pointing toward the new building, commented on the many ceremonies he has attended there in the last year.
“We were here recently to dedicate the lower level hallway, the first completed area of the new tower. We are back again to place the final beam, and it reminds us of the constant focus Provena Saint Joe’s has on bringing healthcare services to this area.”
“When healthcare is so important in today’s world, it’s great to see that here in our own community, Provena Saint Joe’s is taking steps to provide our community
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with technological advancements and better care. I am proud to be a part of a community where we are constantly moving forward and looking ahead to what we can do next,” added Senator A.J. Wilhelmi.
An evergreen tree was secured to the beam along with an American flag on one end – traditional of topping off ceremonies - and a Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center banner was standing on the other end. The tree, which symbolizes growth and life, will be planted on the campus later this year.
A donation for an evergreen, along with a plaque, was presented to the City of Joliet. The tree will be placed in the Broadway Parkway.
“As this evergreen takes root, know that ours are firmly and proudly planted here in this great City of Champions, and we look forward to working with you to provide residents of our community the highest quality healthcare,” Brickman said of the donation as he handed a plaque adorned with a bow to the Mayor.
Senator Barack Obama sent a letter of congratulations to the Medical Center.
“It is difficult to comprehend all the ways in which Provena Saint Joseph’s has improved the lives of citizens of Will County and great Illinois in the past 125 years,” the letter reads. “Since 1882, you have worked tirelessly to provide patients with the most comprehensive and compassionate care.
Enhancements to the Medical Center, such as the new patient tower, are a sign of your unwavering commitment to our community. Again, to everyone at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, congratulations on this extraordinary accomplishment. I wish you all the best as you continue progress in your mission of providing hope and healing.”
The ceremony concluded with Brickman leading the group in an energetic cheer of “Raise that beam!” — a phrase similar to the one used in a popular television series Extreme Home Makeover – as the crowd watched the beam raise to the top of the construction.
About the Master Facility Plan
Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Master Facility Plan and eight-story patient tower is a redefining venture in healthcare. The overall Master Facility Plan is a $336 million initiative that includes:
The Madison Medical Plaza, which includes the Provena Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine and the Surgery Center of Joliet, L.L.C.;
A 700 car parking structure;
Capital renovations over five years;
Updating of imaging systems;
Upgrading of technology over the next 14 years.
The eight-story patient tower itself is a $146 investment that will house new, all private rooms; brand new, state-of-the-art critical care units; a new community education and health resource center and auditorium; and an atrium entrance.
Says Brickman, “This state-of-the-art physical space will be supported by leading edge information systems in an environment expressly designed to not only promote family-centered care, but also enhance clinical outcomes. As you can tell from the construction, our dreams are quickly becoming a reality. Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, long recognized as a leading provider in the area, is well on its way to becoming one of the nation’s elite hospitals, and it is what we celebrate today.”
The patient tower is scheduled for completion in late 2008 with a grand opening scheduled in early 2009.