<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1yqYfb_1Ep0Y94i00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1yqYfb_1Ep0Y94i00" width="1440" height="1156" ><figcaption>Greta Berens, of Wold Architects and Engineers, shows the PCMC Board of Governors and PCMC staff members renderings of the PCMC surgical department renovation and expansion. The Board, comprised of Pipestone County Commissioners, voted to approve the $14.3 million project. Photo by John Draper</figcaption></figure>The Pipestone County Medical Center (PCMC) governing board voted Thursday, Aug. 27 to approve an expenditure of $14.3 million to renovate and expand the surgical department. The total investment included $8,993,000 in construction costs with the balance paying for equipment and technology to update two current operating rooms, to supply a newly created operating room, and to modernize sterilization equipment and processes.The renovation will not require any new structural additions to the facility, but will renovate and better use current facilities to improve services. “We’re always trying to look out ahead over the crest of the hill and best position ourselves,” said PCMC CEO Brad Burris. “We do think this is an important service to our community, and that more procedures can be done locally.” Burris highlighted the fact that this expansion will allow the hospital to have an operating room at the ready for emergencies or unforeseen needs. An additional benefit is providing state-of-the-art surgical spaces that surgeons want to perform procedures in. Greta Berens, of Wold Architects and Engineers, provided the board and those in attendance with a project overview detailing the various phases of the project. Of note, was the fact that this project will breathe new life into the oldest part of the hospital. The original hospital area built in 1963 will see renovation of existing rooms and development of locker rooms, equipment storage, shower/bathroom updates, and general improvements. The project will also incorporate a patient and family waiting area. Journey Construction will serve as the general contractor for the project. They were extremely happy with how the bids came in. The original budget for the construction/renovation was $9.4 million, which included some proposed alternatives that may not have been possible depending on final costs. After finalizing all the bids, they were able to keep the project within the budget while also including the various alternatives. The bulk of the savings came in the areas of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. All told these areas were about $450,000 below original estimates, thus the freed-up funds to complete the alternatives. They noted that the job specs include updates in plumbing to the 1963 building. This came as good news to the board members and PCMC staff. When asked about the quality and experience of the subcontractors, Journey staff indicated that many of them are very experienced with working on medical facilities. They have experience and knowledge of working within an environment that must allow for the work of the hospital to continue while the project is being completed. The project won’t affect or stop surgeries and throughout the project there will always be at least one operating room available. Surgery Manager Meg DeGroot also provided some updates on the equipment and technology side of the project investment. She highlighted that the three operating rooms will all be equipped with laminar air flow. These systems provide filtration around the surgical field to remove potential contaminants from the area. In addition, the project allows PCMC to upgrade surgical equipment like laparoscopes and anesthesia equipment, will provide a modernized sterilization room, and will update general equipment like supply racks and beds.“We will now be able to keep up with projected increases in demand,” said DeGroot after the meeting. “This allows us to provide topnotch procedures, exams, and sterilization processes. It’s truly a great thing to offer our patients and the community.” With the board’s approval, the project can now officially begin. The timeline calls for an Oct. 19 start and full completion by February of 2028. </div></body>

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The Pipestone County Medical Center (PCMC) governing board voted Thursday, Aug. 27 to approve an expenditure of $14.3 million to renovate and expand the surgical department. The total investment included $8,993,000 in construction costs with the balance paying for equipment and technology to update two current operating rooms, to supply a newly created operating room, and to modernize sterilization equipment and processes.

PCMC to begin $14 million renovation

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The Pipestone County Medical Center (PCMC) governing board voted Thursday, Aug. 27 to approve an expenditure of $14.3 million to renovate and expand the su

PCMC to begin $14 million renovation

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