$1.3 million radiology expansion coming to GRH

In a revamp which will add new sections to Greater Regional Health’s radiology wing, the hospital’s board of trustees approved a $1.3 million expansion.

Facilities Director Matt Buck requested the expansion project during Monday’s regular meeting. The process will transform one of Greater Regional’s regularly-used departments as new walls and flooring are planned to be installed.

The total budget, $1,298,353, will amount to about $200 per square foot. Buck said this was a “sweet spot” price for the hospital. The board approved the expansion.

A new ultrasound room and procedure recovery room will be added to the hospital’s radiology department as a part of this expansion. In addition, a new ultrasound machine will be purchased at a future date.

The project plans to move a mural located in the south hallway of the hospital, which depicts a local prairie with hot air balloons and the BNSF railroad. The hand-carved mural is planned to remain intact during the project.

Buck also requested an overhaul of hospital-wide eyewash stations. In job hazard assignments, he noted several locations where eyewash stations will need to be added or updated.

Eyewash stations are hands-free stations which hospital employees can access quickly in unexpected incidents. These stations protect employees if exposed to corrosive chemicals, protecting damage to the eye.

For a budget of $58,000, Buck said the expansion of Greater Regional’s scope and services can be assisted by updating areas in the interest of employee safety.

A new digital sign replacement was also requested by Kelsey Buck. The sign on the north entrance to the Greater Regional main campus on West Townline Road and would replace a sign already placed there for $225,000. The sign was approved and will be placed in spring.

In other Greater Regional news...

Chief of Staff Dr. Matthew Epp noted in his staff report to the board the full medical staff unanimously approved a policy adopting conflict of interest forms. The policy helps give better transparency about providers’ connections to outside companies or any moonlighting.

CEO Monte Neitzel spoke about Greater Regional’s recruitment efforts to keep the hospital running at full staff during late night hours. A $50,000 signing bonus has been offered to nurses willing to work night shift as well as retention bonuses to active nurses.

With continued expansion within Greater Regional, Nietzel notified how board meetings at a future point will move to Crossroads Behavioral Health Center.