Baptist Expansion is Historic Event for the City of Jackson; Marks 100-Year Anniversary
Jackson, Miss. – October 30, 2008 – On Sunday, November 2, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. Baptist Medical Center, will celebrate 100 years of providing medical care with a dedication of the new Cardiovascular Center and Baptist for Women.
The new six level tower is connected to the west side of Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. and is approximately 200,000 square feet. The addition of this new tower, which houses the Cardiovascular Center and Baptist for Women, marks 100 years a the hospital has operated on this site.
“This expansion shows Baptist’s commitment to our city and our community,” said Baptist Health Systems President and Chief Executive Officer Kurt W. Metzner. “Patients in each new hospital have a certain group of needs. At our dedicated facilities, these needs are met by specialists in that field.”
With easy parking access, Baptist for Women’s entrance is on the lower level and will occupy the lower level, north end of the first level and fourth levels of the new tower. It will include a gift shop, coffee shop, classrooms and in the future an outpatient surgery. Services offered are obstetrics, labor and delivery, a 30 bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and childbirth education classes. There will be a new 24 bed women’s surgical unit on the first level as well.
The entrance to the Cardiovascular Center is on the first level. Baptist Cardiovascular Services will occupy the first, second and third levels. The first level will have cardiovascular same day procedure admissions and house a new 18-bed outpatient cardiovascular unit. The second level will have a non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostics such as EKG, nuclear cardiology, cardiac ultrasound and stress labs. There is also a new cardiovascular recovery area and cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit on this level. The third level is still under construction and will be cardiovascular inpatient rooms.
“This new tower provides for care efficiencies and patient convenience. Elements of modern sleekness accompanied by soothing textures and tones lend to a wellness and healing environment. Layout of spaces focus on smoother workflow and enhanced resources and/or technologies to ease the workload of our healthcare providers,” said Baptist Health Systems Vice President Steve Jackson. “Whether utilizing inpatient or outpatient services, cardiovascular customers should anticipate a unique and positive experience. This investment demonstrates that we are dedicated to our mission of providing quality patient services to our community.”
The fifth level is still under construction. The plans call for this level be more additional patient rooms.
On Monday, December 8, 2008, many patients will be moved into rooms in the new tower as our tradition of Christian healing continues for the next 100 years. Today, Baptist has grown to be a 600 plus bed hospital and has approximately 500 physicians and employs approximately 3000 people.
“The philosophy of Baptist has always been to balance technology with a caring, compassionate human touch,” adds Metzner. “We’re making a statement with this investment and plan to stay in the neighborhood for a long time.”
For more information call the Baptist Health Line at 601-948-6262 or visit www.mbhs.org/tower
Parking directions for November 2 event: From I-55 take the Fortification Street exit heading west. Turn right at the State and Fortification Street intersection. Take the first left at the entrance sign to Baptist for Women. Follow the boulevard beside the parking garage to the parking area. Enter the new Baptist for Women entrance for the dedication.
ABOUT BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEMS:
Baptist Health Systems is the parent company of Baptist Medical Center and a number of related healthcare services and programs. From its beginnings in 1908, Baptist has grown to include a 649-bed medical center, along with a variety of health and medical services for people in every stage of life.
A 15-member volunteer board of trustees, consisting of top-echelon leaders in business, medicine, clergy and other fields guides Baptist Health Systems. Baptist’s mission is to serve the community through continuously improving quality medical care and effective use of education and technology in a personal and compassionate environment.
Through the decades, Baptist has continued to provide quality, compassionate Christian-based medical care to the people of Mississippi and surrounding states. In May 2002, Baptist expanded its mission and services even further with the opening of the Hederman Cancer Center. Now, the medical center is opening a new Cardiovascular Center and Baptist for Women facility.
Visit Baptist on the web at www.mbhs.org. For more information contact the Baptist Healthline at 1-800-948-6262 or 948-6262.