Upgrading Health Care in the Heart of North Dakota

Rhea-AI Summary

Enbridge has contributed $20,000 through its Fueling Futures grants to the Good Samaritan Health Services Foundation for the construction of a new Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, North Dakota. The current facility, which dates back to the 1940s, faces closure within seven years without a new building. The new 79,000-square-foot medical center will be more efficient, reducing utility costs with a design focused on ease of movement for staff. It will feature 18 swing beds for long-term care and seven for acute care, aimed at better serving the local community's healthcare needs.

Positive

• Enbridge's $20,000 grant supports a vital healthcare upgrade in Rugby.
• The new facility will enhance operational efficiency and care delivery.

Negative

• The current hospital risks closure without the new construction.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 15, 2023 / Enbridge

For over a century, the Heart of America Medical Center has provided essential medical services to the North Dakota community of Rugby.

And as rich in history the hospital is, it's time for an upgrade.

"The oldest portion of the current building is from the 1940s and the newest is from the 90s," says Tony Coffman, foundation director for the Good Samaritan Health Services Foundation, which supports the medical center. "We were told that financially we would have to close the hospital within the next seven years if we didn't build a new one, so that's exactly what we're doing."

About a year ago, the foundation kicked off a campaign to build a new facility in its "little community" that serves approximately 40,000 citizens in a six-county, 50-mile radius of Rugby.

The new 79,000-square-foot facility is a considerable downsize from the previous center, which sits at about 140,000 square feet, but the move will save on utility costs and is smartly designed to maximize efficiency.

"The new center is all one level, meaning it will make it easier for our employees to get around," says Coffman.

Bed capacity will include 18 swing beds planned for long-term care stays and seven swing beds for acute care hospital stays.

"It'll make it much easier for us to care for the needs of the community."

Enbridge awarded a Fueling Futures grants of $20,000 to Good Samaritan Health Foundation Services in recent months to assist in the construction of the new Heart of America Medical Center.

Meanwhile, a Fueling Futures grant of $20,000 has helped Trinity Health in its efforts to enhance and equip a redesigned Emergency Trauma Center in Minot as part of a new health-care campus and medical district targeted for completion in 2023. "With the new facilities, we will be able to provide more efficient and effective care for patients," says Dr. Scott Knutson. "Frankly, this new ER will benefit patient care in too many ways to count."

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Enbridge
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Enbridge

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/743912/Upgrading-Health-Care-in-the-Heart-of-North-Dakota

FAQ

What is the significance of Enbridge's $20,000 grant for the Heart of America Medical Center?

The grant supports the construction of a much-needed new facility in Rugby, ensuring continued healthcare services.

What changes will the new Heart of America Medical Center bring?

The new center will be more efficient and is designed for better staff movement and patient care.

Why is the existing Heart of America Medical Center being replaced?

The current facility, built in stages since the 1940s, faces potential closure within seven years without upgrades.

How many beds will the new Heart of America Medical Center have?

The new facility will include 25 swing beds, with 18 for long-term care and seven for acute care.

When is the new healthcare center expected to be completed?

The new Heart of America Medical Center is part of an initiative currently underway, aiming for timely completion.