West Central Reporter

McDonough District Hospital issued the following announcement on May 1.

The investment in the future of healthcare for McDonough County and the surrounding area is underway at McDonough District Hospital. After three years of fundraising, MDH begins construction on the much-anticipated Dolores Kator Switzer Women’s Center (DKSWC).

The MDH Board of Directors approved the revised plans and initial survey work has already started. The expansion and renovation project will cover three phases.

A specific date for the DKSWC groundbreaking ceremony will be announced in the near future.

“Our vision for a Women’s Center initially began several years ago. Dick Switzer wanted to honor his late wife Dolores Kator Switzer, and his generous donation jumpstarted our project. Others have been inspired by his donation, and between money donated and pledged to the Dolores Kator Switzer Women’s Center project we can now begin to make this dream a reality,” said MDH President and CEO Kenny Boyd. “Our work though is just beginning. We still have fundraising goals to meet. But thanks to the generosity of Dick Switzer and other individuals and businesses around the area, we can work to improve the lives of all women – no matter what their Obstetrics, Gynecological or diagnostic needs are - throughout west-central Illinois and the entire tri-states region.”

Currently, the OB and nursery area is located on the first floor. Work will begin on the second floor to temporarily accommodate the department during the renovation process then move back to the first floor upon completion. The plans will feature seven Obstetrics beds in six rooms, three Labor-Delivery-Recovery rooms, renovation to the OB/Imaging waiting rooms, Nursery area and Imaging center.

The Imaging component of the DKSWC expansion includes: diagnostic imaging, new waiting area, and expanding and remodeling the suites for 3-D digital mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound and bone density screenings.

The project timeline is expected to be completed in January 2020. Fundraising has already reached $4.7 million, with $3.6 million with cash on hand and another $1.1 million in pledges. The total project cost is expected to run $7.4 million.

“It’s exciting to see the Women’s Center project begin. Dick Switzer would be so proud to know Dolores is being honored to benefit women of all ages,” said Vicky Kipling, Leader of the MDH Foundation.

For more information on the Dolores Kator Switzer Women’s Center, or to donate to the project, log onto www.MDH.org or call the MDH Foundation Office at (309) 836-1757.

Original source can be found here.