The Jackson County Regional Health Center is investing in a new building. Tuesday afternoon, officials broke ground on a new hospital in Maquoketa.
President Curt Coleman says parts of the existing hospital are up to 70 years old, and it's time for a much needed change.
"The biggest thing is to allow us to continue to be a hospital. So much of the facility that we are in today is outdated and at the end of its useful life. It really is a decision to maintain a hospital, but a very different kind of hospital in the community: one that's more efficient & patient focused."
The health center will not add beds or employees. The new hospital is designed to be more modern and functional.
"It's organized much more efficiently, it's much more of a compact design," Coleman says.
"I think our patients will love it. I think our staff will love it, too."
The new Jackson County Regional Health Center will be located on 25 acres on the south side of Maquoketa, with plenty of space to expand. The cost of the new hospital is $36.8 million, and should be completed in December 2020.