Capital Region Medical Center (CRMC) is moving forward with an expansion project intended to put more focus on outpatient services and patient-centered care.
Hospital officials broke ground in Jefferson City Thursday on the $37 million project.
"This is our journey to adapt and be agile to the ever-changing health-care environment," said Dr. Randall Haight, vice president of medical affairs at the hospital.
The expansion will add 120,000 square feet to the hospital's current campus on Madison Street, increasing space by a third.
It will enhance access, expand outpatient services and provide state-of-the-art physician offices. The addition will also include therapies, a pharmacy, radiology and a breast center.
"We want patients receiving care in the appropriate place," Haight said. "This expansion project allows central location of specialists. It allows more patient time and less travel time."
Jack Pletz, chairman of CRMC's Board of Directors, said the expansion will be funded by the hospital's available funds, and no money will be borrowed.
CRMC selected St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies and Jefferson City-based Sircal Contracting to complete the work.
Martin Grabanski, the hospital's director of facilities, said it was important to commit to as many local subcontractors as possible.
Hospital officials believe the project will bring job growth, economic development and neighborhood improvements to Jefferson City.
Randy Allen, president and chief executive officer of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, said the project will make the city more attractive to the business world.
"Health care quality and delivery, and (health care) access are the two most important factors businesses look for in staying in or locating to a community," he said.
Completion of the project is expected in summer 2015.