Today, CoxHealth broke ground for the health system’s new 78,000 square-foot Emergency Department, and announced a major donor gift that’s helping to make the expansion possible.
The donation, generously given by Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Tracy Lipscomb and Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Cathryn Cox Lipscomb (above), creates the Lipscomb Family Wing of Cox South, which will be built south of the existing outpatient center and will house the new ED.
The new ED will have 62 beds – a significant improvement over the 23 that are available in the existing facility – and is designed in five “pods” that can be opened or closed throughout the day as needed.
“We are excited to usher in this new era in emergency medicine for Southwest Missouri,” said Robert Bezanson, CoxHealth president and CEO. “This Emergency Department was designed with staff input to create a better work environment for them, and to enhance our patients’ experiences. It truly is a great thing for Cox, and for our community.”
Not only will the new ED provide for a better patient and family experience, it includes a number of “green” initiatives designed to help the environment. Among these are a construction site waste management and recycling program, the use of regionally produced renewable building materials, abundant use of natural light, water use reduction appliances, and more.
The total project cost is $52.5 million, financed by a Sept. 2008 bond issuance. Construction is expected to be complete in August 2010.
CoxHealth also announced a new fundraising campaign, designed to drive resources to patient needs to compliment the new facility. Donor options are available at a variety of levels, and correspond with name recognition on a room within the center. People interested in giving to the campaign should contact the CoxHealth Foundation at 269-7150.
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