Mercyhealth breaks ground on $485 million women’s and children’s hospital in Rockford
Mercyhealth hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new hospital and medical center campus on I-90/Riverside Blvd. The $485 million regional hospital and medical center campus will be home to a state-of- the-art women’s and children’s hospital, including a Level III (highest level) perinatal center, Level III neonatal intensive care unit, Level I (highest level) trauma center, cutting- edge operating suites and specialty physician medical center, serving adult and pediatric patients.
“We are excited to bring exceptional medical care and significant economic growth to the greater Rockford area,” said Javon R. Bea, President and CEO of Mercyhealth. “This project is the largest construction project in Rockford history, and it will enhance not only patient care but also economic growth to the greater Rockford region in many ways.”
In addition to Mercyhealth executive staff, local, state and national government officials shared in the excitement by speaking at Mercyhealth’s groundbreaking including Sean McCarthy, Acting Director Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, 16 th District of Illinois and Lawrence J. Morrissey, Mayor of Rockford.
The three wings of the hospital will feature:
- 188 inpatient beds, expanded patient services and will incorporate advanced technology designed to the standards of today and the future
- A state-of- the art women’s and children’s hospital
- State-designated regional perinatal center
- The highest level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Pediatric and pediatric intensive care (PICU) units
- High-risk maternity care
- Pediatric emergency services
- Level I (highest level) trauma center
- An adult sub-specialty hospital, including plastic and reconstructive surgery, brain and spine, endocrinology, orthopedics, pulmonology and heart services, and more
- Cutting-edge operating suites and surgical services to support a full range of inpatient and outpatient surgery, including minimally invasive surgery and image- guided surgery
- Comprehensive diagnostic center with lab and imaging
- Multi-disciplinary physician care clinics, serving adult and pediatric patients
Beyond expanding the breadth and depth of medical services available through the 400 new permanent health care jobs, the project is a catalyst for other economic growth, creating 1,100 additional construction jobs and featuring 263 acres of land for further development for hotels, restaurants, convenience stores and other retail outlets.
“This is indeed an exciting time for us. We are continuing the legacy that both Rockford Health System and Mercy Health System began 133 years ago,” Bea continues. “We truly are passionate about finding the best possible ways to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”
Land surveying and site preparation began in early May 2016 and construction is estimated to be complete by January 2019.
