Drew Memorial Health System unveils $31 million expansion
by May 30, 2018 6:42 am 584 views
The Drew Memorial Health System board unveiled its new medical facility Friday (May 25), a complex that includes a new surgery center and women’s center.
The $31 million expansion project includes a larger surgery center with six operating rooms, two dedicated C-section suites, and pre-op and post-op areas. It also offers a more convenient outpatient clinic, allowing for two visiting specialists to hold clinic hours simultaneously. Additionally, the labor, delivery and recovery unit was relocated and expanded to three times the size of the current unit. The main entrance and the auxiliary-operated gift shop was also expanded in size.
Funding for the construction project comes from an ad valorem tax of $4 million approved by Drew County 10 years ago that was dedicated to the new surgical center. A quarter-cent sales tax approved by Drew County in 2015 was used to leverage $9 million. Drew Memorial also used $4 million of its cash, and $14 million in revenue bonds secured by future revenues.
“I believe it is important to remember that Drew Memorial Health System is truly a community asset, a community health system,” said Scott Barrilleaux, CEO for the hospital. “Our taxes, our family and our friends allow us to have such a wonderful health system to choose.”
“What you see behind me is the 51,000-square-foot expansion boasting the vision, dedication and hard work that many in our community have been a part of along the way,” said Mike Akin, Drew Memorial Health System Board President.
Barrilleaux also offered a preview of the new branding campaign launching soon, which will complement a new logo and identity system that was introduced in April 2017.
“This new identity reflects our renewed commitment to bringing Drew County – and Southeast Arkansas as a whole – the absolute best medical care possible,” he said. “Many are unaware of the breadth of services we offer here, and it’s our sincere hope that the community will see this rebrand as part of our investment in improving these services and the care they receive.”
Drew Memorial Health System is a nonprofit, community-owned acute care facility serving a population of more than 200,000 in Southeast Arkansas. Since 1975, Drew Memorial has operated in its current location in Monticello.