BLOOMINGTON -- Obstetrical services in Bloomington-Normal should be upgraded after state approval on Tuesday of a building addition for a replacement birthing center at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center.

In a move that will change the appearance of the Bloomington hospital's front door, a two-story addition will be built to the north side of the hospital for 12 private, labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum rooms; a 15-bed nursery; and a Cesarean-section suite, said St. Joseph President and Chief Executive Officer Ken Natzke.

The $17.3 million project was unanimously approved on Tuesday by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board at its meeting in Matteson.

"We're pleased that the board recognized the merits of the project," Natzke said. "We believe the project is not just good for our patients and families but good for our community as a whole."

When complete in about two years, the new unit will allow women to experience labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care in the same room, Natzke said. Each room will have space for a spouse to stay overnight, more space for medical equipment and a more efficient ventilation system than the existing birthing center in the hospital's 1968 building.

"This is patient and family-centered care," Natzke said. "We're excited to be able to offer modern, obstetrical services to the young families of our community."

Construction could begin in spring

Plans call for 26,943 square feet of new construction and 6,046 square feet of renovation. Construction documents will be completed and the project will be put out for bids within six months, he said.

If the bids come in within budget, construction could begin in the spring, Natzke said. Construction will take about 14 months.

"With the economy as tight as it is, the construction community will be glad to see the work," he said.

The existing unit will be turned over to the orthopedic/neurology unit, for conference space and for sleeping rooms for physicians and residents on call, Natzke said.

St. Joseph will begin a fundraising effort that Natzke hopes will raise at least 20 percent of money needed for the project. The balance will come from a bond issue.