October 22, 2009

Helicopters Signal First Milestone in Broadlawns Renovations

DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 22, 2009) – Helicopters served as harbingers of progress at Broadlawns Medical Center on Monday as two helicopters became the first to use the facility's new helipad.

“This marks a first milestone in the progress of the expansion and renovations at Broadlawns,” stated Jody Jenner, president and CEO of Broadlawns Medical Center.

The new helipad is larger and relocated to allow for expansion of the emergency department entrance. Monday's notable first landing picked up a patient for transfer to Mercy Medical Center. The second air arrival delivered a patient to Broadlawns from University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

“This step realizes the completion of an initial phase of our facilities expansion,” said Jenner. “We look forward to reaching several milestones as we continue to remain on schedule and within budget on this exciting project”

Broadlawns is currently in the process of one of the largest expansion and renovation projects in more than two decades. The public hospital announced the $44 million expansion early this year, for which no public tax funds will be used.

Plans for the first phase include a new emergency department, a new reception and admitting area, surgical department expansion, laboratory and radiology upgrades, a physical rehabilitation center and new outpatient-centered physician clinics.

“This is the community’s hospital,” Jenner added. “We remind the residents of Polk County that they are welcome to visit the facilities and take a tour to see firsthand the changes that are taking place. We also invite anyone who is interested in participating in the modernization of Broadlawns to give us a call or visit our website.”

Celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, Broadlawns Medical Center first opened its doors as a hospital to the residents of Polk County on April 13, 1924.  Over the years, Broadlawns has adapted to the changing demands of public health care, yet remained true to its mission of offering quality health services to all Polk County residents and training tomorrow’s health care professionals. Today Broadlawns Medical Center is composed of: 

• An acute care community hospital serving medical, surgical, mental health and primary care needs
• A 60-member physician practice overseeing numerous specialty clinics and outpatient services
• A Family Medicine Residency Program that graduates physician leaders who today serve in 22 of Iowa’s 99 counties

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