Nearly two years after ground was broken for remodeling at Nemaha County Hospital, anticipated completion date of the two-phase project is the first week of March, said Marty Fattig, chief executive officer.

The second phase of the project started mid-May 2011, he said. Anticipated completion date is the first week of March. The official groundbreaking was held March 26, 2010.
The main focus in the second phase was updating the emergency entrance, and continuing the upgrade of the facility’s heating and air conditioning systems, Fattig said.
Also included in the second phase, he said was: building a dedicated relaxation and sleeping quarters for the hospital’s physician assistants; moving the doctors’ lounge; changing the ambulance unloading garage; upgrading the south wing; completely remodeling the radiology department; and making minor modifications to the nurses’ station, pharmacy, physical therapy and the laboratory.
“We’ll have a walk-in entrance for the emergency department as well as a waiting area for the emergency department. There will be better access and better control over the emergency area hallway by making that hallway a restricted hallway,” Fattig said.
The radiology department received no upgrades when the hospital was remodeled in 2000, Fattig said.
“It is being completely redone, including the installation of all up to date digital equipment,” he said.
The physical therapy department will assume the use of the vacated cardiac rehabilitation area, Fattig said.
“We are making some modifications to allow for the best use of that area,” he said.
“We’re remodeling the pharmacy to install some additional equipment required by new regulations. We’re remodeling the nurses station to provide them additional space for preparation of medications,” Fattig said.
He said that the remodeling project has progressed fairly well.
“Anytime you remodel existing space, you run into issues you didn’t know existed. Through working with the general contractor and the architect, we’ve been able to overcome these challenges,” Fattig said.
Hampton Commercial Construction Inc. is general contractor. Jackson and Jackson, Omaha, is architect. Midlands Mechanical is mechanical subcontractor. Wilson Electric is electrical subcontractor.
First Phase of Remodeling Has Worked Well
The improvements from the first phase of the hospital remodeling have worked well, Fattig said.
“We’ve received many positive comments about the changes we made, especially the front entrance. Some community organizations are using our classroom. Cardiac rehabilitation and home health are really enjoying their new space,” he said.
Other changes from the first phase of remodeling included: administration area, business office, a new kitchen and dining room, and a major part was upgrading the heating, air conditioning and ventilation system, Fattig said.
Cost of the project will end up at about $6.75 million. It will be paid for by profits saved from operations over the last several years, he said.
“We’re proud that we’re able to do that,” Fattig said.
The improvements will make it possible for the health care needs of area residents to be provided locally and without having to go out of town, he concluded.