In May of 2013, CoxHealth broke ground on the expansion of Cox Medical Center South. For the past two years the community has watched in awe as the 10-story building sprouted into the sky. In just a few short days, before patients are placed in the new space, the doors will open to the public for viewing.
The best time to tour the new west tower at Cox South is Saturday, June 27, during an open house celebration and Kids Health and Safety Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. with tours to follow.
CoxHealth President and CEO Steve Edwards said the expansion is designed to meet the area’s health care needs now and into the future.
“This is an exciting time for CoxHealth and the community it serves. The opening of the patient tower marks the culmination of many years of planning. Looking forward, we know that to continue to provide the absolute best patient care and meet the needs of our growing and aging population, we must have facilities designed for the highest standards of care and efficiency. This expansion places us securely at the forefront of health care in the Midwest.”
Following the open house, departments will begin moving into their respective space inside the 343,000 square-foot, $130 million addition to Cox South. The first floors, making up the Dee Ann White Women’s and Children’s Hospital will be moved in first. Then the upper floors, making up the Jared Neurosciences Center will begin moving in July. Work will continue on the exterior of the original hospital, including upgrades and new design elements to match the new construction.
Events taking place during the open house on June 27 include a ribbon cutting ceremony, tours of the new building, free stroke risk assessment with a stroke nurse, and a Kids Health and Safety Fair in the parking lot west of Ferrell Duncan Clinic at 1001 E. Primrose.
Check out a map of the event and see a full list of activities below (click on the images for full-size, printable versions):
The free stroke risk assessment includes an evaluation by a stroke nurse for risk of stroke. In addition, a pharmacist will be present to answer any questions on medications. The screening is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but participants can pre-register by calling 417-269-INFO.
The Kids Health and Safety Fair will benefit all ages, and will focus on prevention safety for children. CoxHealth Pediatric Trauma Coordinator Lana Martin explained that the summer season is also trauma season. “With children out of school and more outdoor activities that are often associated with injuries, every emergency room across the country sees an increase in younger patients. The most common types of injuries, which are also preventable, include motor vehicle crashes, water-related incidents, pedestrian accidents, falls, dog bites and bicycle, skateboard and rollerblade incidents.”
More than 30 agencies will be represented, helping children and their parents have a happier summer by learning how to prevent injury and avoid hazards.
One of the many interactive stations will concentrate on bicycle helmet safety. “We will have a helmet sizing station,” said Martin.
“Just bring your bicycle helmet with you and we’ll make sure it fits appropriately. You can also make your helmet personal by stopping by our helmet decorating station.”
While at the Kids Health and Safety Fair, parents can pick up an ID kit for their child. Just a few of the activities the kids won’t want to miss out on include fun exercises with KOHL’s CARDIAC Kids, the Teddy Bear Clinic where children can have their teddy bear or doll checked out and bandaged up. Plus, there will be plenty of fun photo opportunities with the Cox Air Care helicopter; Sparky, the American Red Cross dancing fire hydrant; Springfield Batman; and Ronald McDonald.
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