In an effort to meet the ever growing needs of patients, continuing to lead health care best practices and improve quality and technology, many Iowa hospitals and communities across the state are making investments into their health care infrastructure this spring and summer.

Hospitals in Algona, Clarion, Clarinda, Chariton, Belmond and Sioux Center, just to name a few, are undergoing some changes.

In Algona, a new three-story addition is being added, and should be finished by June. Scott Curtis, CEO of Kossuth Regional Medical Center said the first phase of the hospital’s new construction will be completed in June.

The new addition will allow for private inpatient rooms, each equipped with a full private bath. The addition will also bring about improvements on the first floor of the hospital, restructuring the dining area, kitchen and materials management area.

Curtis said that the new inpatient rooms will also include enhancements aimed at improving patient and staff safety. “We’re also adding new patient lifts to each room to increase patient and staff safety,” Curtis said.

On the exterior, the hospital is adding a healing garden, to provide recreational and scenic space for patients while in recovery.

Kossuth Regional Health Center operates a 24-bed critical access hospital, two physician clinics, home care, hospice and public health nursing agencies.

“We’re excited about the improvements this will bring for our patients and the efficiencies it will bring for our staff,” Curtis said.

The second phase is expected to be completed by December.