Guthrie County Hospital recently announced a major project investment for the communities it serves.

According to the hospital, a $46 million renovation and expansion is planned to increase its services to enhance patient-centered care by improving the patient experience, catering to more patient privacy, while also supporting the medical staff to ensure that the facilities continue to provide healthcare for decades to come.

Hospital leadership outlines the new construction to include the lobby, laboratory, sleep lab, IV services area, an MRI addition, along with a kitchen with an updated serving and dining spaces. Officials say that the clinic and specialty clinic areas, physical therapy and fitness center will be expanded and remodeled. The hospital says there are also planned improvements and updates for the emergency room, surgical department and inpatient rooms, along with a new conference center with meeting rooms that the community can utilize.

CEO Chris Stipe says the hospital is a cornerstone of the community and this project highlights that legacy while also ensuring the facility supports advanced care, workforce and long-term sustainability. He points out that with there virtually being no debt, GCH is in a perfect financial position to undertake this kind of project, along with the assistance from the US Department of Agriculture, local banks and other financial partners. 

The plan is to ultimately have the project completed over 30 months to minimize impacts with patients and their care. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information about this project as it becomes official.