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This drawing shows the area Pipestone County Medical Center plans to renovate. The renovations would add a third operating room and make other changes to the surgery area for an estimated $14 million. Source: Pipestone County Medical Center
A renovation is planned for Pipestone County Medical Center’s (PCMC) surgery area that will add a third operating room and make other improvements for an estimated $14,360,000.
PCMC has been considering the addition of a third operating room for several years. PCMC Governing Board Chair Chris Hollingsworth said during a Sept. 30 special meeting to discuss the renovation project that one of the primary reasons is to be able to provide emergency cesarean sections. PCMC CEO Brad Burris said the third operating room will enable PCMC to provide those services and still have flexibility in general surgery.
“This is as much an investment in the future of OB as it is surgery,” he said.
Burris acknowledged the time that Surgery Manager Meg DeGroot and Director of Patient Care Services Laurie Bruns put into developing the plans, which were presented by representatives of Wold Architects and Engineers during the special meeting. In addition to the third operating room, the plans include adding a new centralized nurse station, new central sterile area, new equipment storage, added pre and post operation space, a second endoscopy room, an expanded break room and physician lounge, the relocation of the surgery waiting area and other changes.
According to the preliminary plans, the work would be done in phases. The potential timeline shows that design, development of construction documents and the state plan review would be done over the next year. The first phase of construction could potentially begin next year around this time and the project could potentially be completed around October 2027.
The recommended budget of $14,360,000 includes preliminary estimates of $9,450,000 for construction; $2,375,000 for fees, testing, plan reviews and technology; $1,050,000 for equipment for the third operating room; $1,050,000 for contingency; and $435,000 for other equipment. Burris said the project could be paid for with reserve funds, but that financing options are also being considered.
Some temporary impacts are expected on other areas of the facility during the construction project. John Ripplinger, a partner with Wold Architects and Engineers, however, assured the board that all sterile environments will be maintained during the process.
Next steps in the process include the preparation of final design documents and seeking bids.