Rochelle Community Hospital Breaks Ground on Health Expansion

Rochelle Community Hospital marked a significant milestone on October 20, 2023, with a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its Health and Wellness Building. The construction, which commenced in August, aims to consolidate the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapy departments alongside the Physical and Occupational Therapy departments. This integration is designed to enhance service delivery for rehabilitation patients.

The expansion will occur on both the upper and lower levels of the facility. The lower floor will feature a new gym space dedicated to rehabilitation and therapy, while the upper floor will accommodate additional Primary Care operations and the hospital’s recently launched Behavioral Health department.

Project Progress and Future Plans

“The progress has been really encouraging,” stated Karen Tracy, CEO of Rochelle Community Hospital. She noted that while construction is slightly behind schedule, the favorable weather conditions have aided the process. “We’re doing pretty good and I think we’re still on track for completion in April or May,” she added, expressing pride in the construction team’s rapid efforts.

The merger of the therapy and rehabilitation departments is expected to foster more competitive services and increase the hospital’s capacity to serve a greater number of patients. Furthermore, this initiative is a precursor to potential changes in the northern section of the hospital, which houses physical and occupational therapy services established in the 1940s. Recent assessments revealed infrastructure needs in this area, prompting the hospital to consider future renovations.

Tracy emphasized the importance of the groundbreaking as a tangible sign of progress. “To me, it means that this hospital is thriving and going to be here for years to come,” she remarked. The expansion project serves as a starting point for larger plans for the north end of the campus, where thoughtful planning will be essential.

Community Engagement and Staff Involvement

In response to the construction, Rochelle Community Hospital has relocated the Health and Wellness Building entrance to the west off Third Street, positioned between the emergency entrance and the building itself. Tracy acknowledged the community’s patience and cooperation during this transition.

Staff members from the departments involved in the expansion participated in the groundbreaking ceremony, providing valuable input on the facility’s changes. “We have great staff,” Tracy noted, highlighting their cooperation and engagement in the process. “Our architects have done a fantastic job of incorporating staff’s comments and making sure the functionality is there.”

This expansion reflects Rochelle Community Hospital’s commitment to enhancing its services and ensuring that it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the community effectively.