Vista expanding Waukegan hospital ICU, hopeful for Lindenhurst facility
Vista Health System hosted a Thursday afternoon soiree celebrating expansion of the intensive-care unit at a Waukegan hospital, and hopes to throw another bash if it gains approval for a Lindenhurst facility this year.
About 100 guests nibbled hors d'oeuvres and listened to a four-piece band as part of the groundbreaking event for the $7.25 million project at Vista Medical Center East on Sheridan Road.
Vista East will boost its intensive-care unit beds from 16 to 23 through an 8,500-square-foot addition, with a renovation of an existing 4,250 square feet.
Completion is targeted for 2009, with the work performed in phases to avoid patient disruption.
"You'll never know as a patient or a visitor that construction is going on," said Barbara J. Martin, Vista Health System's president and chief executive officer.
Martin said Vista East's overall growth and open-heart surgery patients drove the need for the larger ICU.
Vista Heath System is awaiting a decision to build a $100 million hospital with roughly 140 beds in Lindenhurst. Martin told the crowd Thursday the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board should have a decision on that plan in December.
Martin said she's optimistic about gaining approval for the Lindenhurst hospital, which would be the first in Lake County in 30 years. Construction would start in spring 2009.
"We will have a big party when we get that (Lindenhurst) facility approved," Martin said.
As for Vista East, Waukegan Fire Marshal Steve Lenzi said a lack of ICU beds mean some patients are transferred to Milwaukee hospitals or Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge for the necessary attention. He said the seven extra beds at Vista East mean patients will have a greater opportunity to stay in the same hospital if they need intensive care.
Recent upgrades at the company's other Waukegan hospital, Vista Medical Center West, include the reopening of a full-service emergency department.
Waukegan Mayor Richard Hyde praised Martin's leadership of Vista Health System and said the improved hospitals will do more than help patients.
"It's helping turn the perception of Waukegan," Hyde said.