Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett today looked to the future with a groundbreaking for the hospital’s facility expansion.   The $34 million dollar project will result in 96 additional hospital beds for Bartlett and the surrounding area.  

The expansion will allow Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett to double their current total of ICU beds and surgical suites.  In addition, ancillary services such as pharmacy and laboratory will be relocated and expanded.  Finally, with the addition of more than 83,000 square feet, Saint Francis-Bartlett will have space available to expand service lines to serve the growing needs of the community.

“In order to provide the quality health care and high level of service that our patients have come to expect from Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett, it has become clear that more beds are required to meet this need,” said Kem Mullins, Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett chief executive officer.  “This facility expansion will allow us to add the space and medical technology needed to support the community for years to come.”

In addition to Mullins, the groundbreaking featured community leaders including David Archer, Saint Francis Healthcare chief executive officer; Gwen Bonner, Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett chief operating officer; Pat Lawler, Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett board chairman and Youth Villages chief executive officer, Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald; Steven Newman, M.D., Tenet Healthcare chief operating officer; Thomas Ratliff, M.D., Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett medical staff president; and Bob Smith, Tenet Healthcare Central Region senior vice president.  Renderings of the upcoming facility expansion were also unveiled at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“This groundbreaking is possible because of the dedication of our employees, physicians, and volunteers.  They go the extra mile each and every day to ensure that our patients are provided the best care possible,” said Mullins.  “In addition, this project represents our continued commitment to promote the health and well-being of this community, in response to the tremendous support Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett has received from the citizens of Bartlett and Shelby County.”

The facility expansion will be constructed by Hoar Construction, with architecture by Hinson Miller Kickirillo Architects PLLC.  Project completion is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012.