New hospital will be biggest project in Chillicothe's history

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. - Hedrick Medical Center has been a big part of Chillicothe for decades. Now, it's about to begin a $36 million upgrade.

"I was born in the old addition of the hospital in 1937," said Chuck Haney.

Haney is now Chillicothe's mayor and has watched two big additions go on to the hospital as his family has grown too.

"Both of my children, my son and daughter, were born here," said Haney.

Hedrick has changed, but its age may have finally caught up.

"There's a reason that we're building a new hospital," said Haney.

One reason is the radiology department. It is split up into four locations as new technology has been added. The hospital is designed for more old-fashioned, in-patient care, making it difficult for modern, out-patient practices.

"It's time for an updating of the magnitude that requires a new hospital," said hospital CEO Matt Wenzel.

An empty field on the north edge of town is where the new hospital will go, giving the complex more room to spread out. But officials say the location's best feature might be behind the building.

Patients will look out over a rolling golf course through a bank of windows wrapping the building. Wenzel says an open, airy floor plan will help the healing process.

"When you first walk into the facility, you'll have a 270-degree view wherever you want to go," said Wenzel.

The new layout is a big contrast to the maze the current hospital has become. It will also offer more privacy, better access to specialists and a new point of pride for Chillicothe.

"The biggest project this city has ever undertaken in its history," said Haney.

The city of Chillicothe will own the hospital and St. Luke's Health System will make lease payments. Crews will break ground in April and hope to finish by fall of 2013.