After delivering a record number of infants last year, a local hospital threw a baby shower for itself. Today, UnityPoint Health - Trinity announced it will expand its BirthPlace unit in Bettendorf, and celebrated with cake, balloons, and party favors.
President and CEO Rick Seidler says Trinity delivered over 900 babies last year. That's about 100 more deliveries than in 2014.
Because the number keeps growing, the hospital will double its bed capacity and expand both its pre and post-birthing services.
The cardiac treatment unit, which is currently on the second floor, will be moved to the ground floor.
Seidler says once the $5 million project is done, Trinity Bettendorf will have 16 private post-partum rooms, 7 delivery rooms, a new surgery suite, and an expanded neonatal special care unit. And, the changes should make it easier to expand again in the future.
The Trinity Health Foundation will try to raise $1.5 million to support the project. Construction on Trinity Bettendorf's BirthPlace unit will begin in May and should be completed early next year (2017).