Sibley, IA - The Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley is in the midst of a reconstructive surgery of its own. In August 2007, contractors began to work on the first phase of a four-phase $7 million addition and renovation to the hospital. The project is the biggest for the hospital since it opened its doors in 1964.

The first phase is expected to be the most costly of the four periods of construction. It includes a 10,000-square-foot addition and renovation on 2,205 square feet of existing hopsital space. Much of the first phase is already completed. It consisted of the construction of new surgical suites, four private rooms, two new labor and delivery rooms, a massage and personal care room, a large multi-purpose room and a refreshment area at a cost of about $4.67 million.

The Community Wellness & Rehab Center also was upgraded as part of the first phase. Two saunas, a larger multipurpose room and extra office space were added to the adjoining facility. The center already contained a number of amenities such as a therapy pool and a wide variety of exercise equipment.

Part of the project that is yet to be completed is a virtual room. The room will provide therapy for patients through virtual games such as bowling, tennis, and boxing.

Work on the 2nd phase has begueroom in. The phase consists of a renovation of 6,953 square feet of existing space. The emergency room will be enlarged to a two-bed ER so there is more room for patients and hospital personnel. Contractors also will make the public rest rooms in the hospital handicap accessible and add four new outpatient exam rooms during the second phase.

The old nursery, obstetrics wing and delivery room also are being gutted to make way for a new nurses station, nursery and two new patient rooms. The pharmacy rooms will be remodeled and a new chemotherapy room also will be added during the second phase.

The third and fourth phases will ensure the hospital can enhance the privacy and comfort for patients during their stay. All of the hospital's patient rooms will be converted from two-bed suites into private rooms. This will help the hospital protect patinets from infection and will rpovide more space for equipment and families. One two-bed room will be available so that the Osceola Community Hospital will mee the state requirement of providing accomodations in the event a married couple or close family member wishes to stay in the room as the patient.

Hospital administrator, Janet Dykstra, siad iti is hoped all four phases will be completed by late 2010 or early 2011. It is also hoped that the improved facilities will attract and retain top-notch health-care professionals to Sibley. For more information about this award-winning facility, click here.