Ferrell Hospital celebrates completion of expansion

ELDORADO - Ferrell Hospital celebrated the completion of its massive renovation project Friday with a ribbon-cutting event.

Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, attendance was limited. The event was broadcast on Facebook Live.

Ferrell Hospital CEO Alisa Coleman thanked state Sen. Dale Fowler, who worked to help get the renovation project approved. She also thanked several other audience members, including members of partner Deaconess Hospital, who helped to push for the massive $34 million renovation project.

"We've added, 55,000 square feet," Coleman said. "The original footprint of the building was about 33,000 square feet, which means we're now about one and half times larger."

The increased space means better medical care for the area, she said.

"Our contractors have created a new home away from home for the hundreds of people who walk through these doors," Coleman said. "This will help us provide the most needed and best possible emergency, surgical and hospital care to patients here in Eldorado and beyond, keeping them close to home."

Don Gossett, who is on the hospital's planning, building and grounds committee, offered a prayer of blessing on the hospital. He said the occasion is a momentous one for Eldorado

"Today is really a special day for our community," Gossett said.

Coleman said despite difficulties created this year by COVID-19, completion of the project was eagerly anticipated.

"Even in 2020, this project has something we've been able to look forward to," Coleman said.