Hutcheson Medical Center President Charles Stewart announced today plans for major renovations and equipment purchases through a $47.5 million financing plan.
“We feel that Hutcheson is in a good place financially and ready to make improvements to the main facility,” said Charles Stewart, president and CEO of the Hutcheson Health System.
“Due to the financial difficulties over the last few years, there were limited resources to put back into the facilities on this campus. This is about to change. Today we are very excited to unveil the new look for the new Hutcheson Medical Center. The update will include a much-needed face lift in patient rooms and many public areas starting with the main hospital lobby. In addition to the renovation, we will also acquire all new patient room furniture and seating in our waiting rooms,” said Mr. Stewart.
“These are big plans that come with a big price tag, but we feel all are necessary as we continue our quest of improving patient care for North Georgia and the Chattanooga area. To pay for the upgrades, the hospital will enter into a bond financing that will refinance existing debt and generate $12.75 million for capital improvements. We will also enter into an additional agreement for a $12 million lease line for equipment,” he added.
The hospital also plans to purchase several new pieces of high tech equipment including a CT scanner, a MRI, equipment for a new cardiac catheterization lab and patient monitoring equipment. “We currently provide all the diagnostic equipment available, but in most hospitals, this is an area that is constantly changing with new technology. This financing program will allow us to provide the newest, most advanced services available to our patients,” said Stewart. The hospital does not expect the financing plan to have any impact on the current charge structure.
Mr. Stewart said he attributes the hospital’s recent success to strong expense control, a strategic focus on quality and patient satisfaction, and growth of services through the addition of several key physicians who practice solely at Hutcheson Medical Center.
New specialists include Battlefield Pulmonology Associates, the area’s first full time intensivists; medical oncologists with Georgia Cancer Specialists; general surgeon Andrew Lovette, MD, Dianne Roland, MD, endocrinologist, and Anesthetix, an anesthesiologists group. Anesthetix and Hutcheson began the Pain Management Center at Hutcheson on the Parkway, which is staffed by anesthesiologists trained in pain management.
“All of these improvements are a reflection of ‘the new Hutcheson’ that is taking shape,” said Mr. Stewart. With an improving bottom line, a dedicated and loyal staff, excellent physicians and solid growth plans for the future, Hutcheson is fulfilling its mission of serving as a true community hospital.
“This is an exciting time for Hutcheson, and we hope the community shares in our excitement. These improvements were designed with the community as its focus,” he added.