Lakewood’s expansion to focus on meeting the needs of patients

Just 10 years after a new clinic and hospital were built in Staples, Lakewood Health System is expanding their main campus.

At a groundbreaking ceremony held Oct. 10, Lakewood President/CEO Tim Rice said the entire focus of the project is to meet the needs of patients.

Rice said they recognized some of the space needs in 2012, but waited and took the time to assess all their needs before building.

Other speakers at the ceremony touched on different aspects of the project. Board member Loren Morey promoted the new services and new providers that will come with the expansion. District Board President Mary Theurer talked about the planning process and the many people involved. Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Halfen said that medicine is becoming more efficient and more preventative, and the new structure will better enable them to continue in that direction.

The $20 million project also includes refinancing of the hospital debt to get better rates and save money. The construction loan comes from the USDA’s Rural Development program. Jeff Scholten of Rural Development’s Alexandria office  was at the groundbreaking and said this is a direct loan from their community loan fund and is one of the largest direct loan projects his agency has worked on.

Later in the day, a groundbreaking was also held at the Pillager Clinic for their portion of the expansion project.