The expansion and extra room are also needed to accommodate an increasing number of patients who choose St. Luke’s for excellent nursing care and advanced surgical procedures, including orthopedic surgery.

Like Dr. Holleman, Brian Rosenberg, MD, chief of surgery, is a member of St. Luke’s Board of Trustees. He and other members of the board have been instrumental in planning the updated patient wing, which is designed for patients recovering from general and orthopedic surgery.

The 15,000 square-foot addition will integrate natural aesthetics and mountain views to enhance recovery. Opening to a glass-walled hallway, six large, private rooms will be three times larger than the hospital’s current room size to better accommodate post-surgical care with comfortable space for visitors. With personal amenities, full bathrooms and pristine views, the new patient wing will also feature a large family waiting room and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center, Shull said.

A large, open gym area and private treatment rooms will be equipped to enhance the exceptional care St. Luke’s patients currently receive in the off-campus rehab center. One-on-one therapy with a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist or therapy assistant will remain a hallmark of St. Luke’s highly regarded rehab center.

In addition, the new rehab center will feature unique therapies to resemble real-life activities for daily living, such as getting in and out of a car, which can be a difficult task for a patient who is recovering from orthopedic surgery. Patients will also benefit from advanced technology that will provide improved patient safety and one-on-one aquatic therapy.

With additional space, the Rehab Center can expand the Balance program to assess the risk for falling, combined with exercises to strengthen and prevent such fall injuries. In addition, a unique Lymphedema treatment program is available locally to save patients a trip out of the county for treatment.

The construction project, which should be completed by late 2013, is projected to cost $5.6 million. Additional funding will be available through bank financing and through contributions to the hospital’s Foundation. No county tax monies will be used to fund construction, Shull stressed.

Beth Laughridge, campaign chair; Meshelle Colvin, executive director, and a committee of volunteers, successfully raised $1.8 million for the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation’s Building on Excellence capital campaign.

“We are pleased that the Building on Excellence campaign has been so well received by our donors and our community,” Colvin said. “It’s obvious that people recognize the need for and benefit of a new patient care wing, and it’s evident that our community values St. Luke’s Hospital for the vital, life-saving services it provides to this community.”

Chair of the hospital’s Board of Trustees Fred Foy agreed.

“Our board, administration, staff and physicians are excited about the plans. We believe this project will energize the community for continued support and trust in St. Luke’s Hospital for their healthcare needs.”