Montgomery County Memorial Hospital (MCMH) in Red Oak will officially open a major addition and remodeling project today. The project is a good example of how Iowa hospitals are responding not only to a growing need for health care, but also to the changing health care environment that focuses on patient-centered care as well as the move from inpatient to outpatient care.

To fully understand the need for the project, take a look at what has happened since the hospital opened its doors at its current location in 1989.

When MCMH moved to its new facility in 21 years ago, there were 170 employees and a payroll of $2.8 million.  Revenue generated was just over $7 million.  Now, fast forward to June 30, 2010, the end of the last fiscal year for MCMH.  There are now 310 employees and a payroll of $12.2 million.  Revenue was $37.9 million.

Outreach and outpatient clinic visits have tripled from 15,000 visits in 1989 to more than 45,000 today; nearly two-thirds of total hospital business is now outpatient.  This translates into 97 percent of total patient encounters.  Outpatient services have been offered in four different areas of the hospital, which is very confusing for patients.  As specialty clinics were added, space was provided in any location that was available.

Emergency department volume has doubled since 1989, creating workflow issues.  There was inadequate patient privacy, rooms were too small and the admission process was inconvenient for the patient.  Hazmat decontamination facilities were inadequate and there was no separate family waiting and consultation area.

A dedicated scope room was included to improve workflow in surgery.  Once again, there was lack of patient privacy and inadequate storage for equipment and supplies.

Space needs and compliance issues in other areas of the hospital were creating a situation where additional room needed to be added.  The pharmacy needed space to meet compliance issues in air quality and respiratory therapy also needed space for to meet regulations.  Radiology needed additional space for privacy issues and physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy all outgrew their locations.  Health information management, laboratory and other departments also needed additional space. The Women’s Health Center, formerly located off campus, is now part of the main campus.

It’s clear that the improvements at the Red Oak hospital were well past due. Like hospitals all over Iowa, MCMH has responded to the needs of its community. In turn, the community, recognizing the economic and quality-of-life value of a modern facility, has supported the hospital, its growth and its expansion.