Building
For Excellence
Building Project Questions and Answers
Investing in the Future of Iowa County
This is an exciting
time at Upland Hills Health. On August 31, 2006 we embarked
on a new $22 million building project—all in an effort
to ensure quality healthcare services in our communities.
We think it’s important you understand the careful
thought, planning and consideration that compelled us to
undertake this ambitious building project. We hope this web
page answers some of the questions you may have.
Your patience, please.
We strive
to provide Healthcare Excellence by providing the ideal patient
experience. We will continue to do our very best to achieve
that goal.
We humbly ask for your patience as we go through this growing
process. Please monitor your local paper and the Entrance
Alert link on the home page of our website for
entrance changes and updates parking.
Why is Upland Hills Health building?
Simply put—it’s time.
Some of the buildings in our current facility date back to
1913. It is no longer cost effective or possible to remodel
them to meet changing standards and regulations. Today’s
medical technology requires state-of-the-art facilities that
can accommodate the size, power, and electronic needs of
such advanced equipment.
But this is not just about tearing down old space and replacing
it with new. More importantly, the new facilities will allow
us to continue to expand and meet the growing needs of our
community. All in a more efficient, customer-friendly environment.
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How is Upland Hills Health paying for the building
project?
Revenue Bonds.
Upland Hills Health is a non-profit organization. We’ve
worked hard to ensure a level of fiscal health and accountability
that allows us to secure an issuance of revenue Bonds authorized
by Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority
(WHEFA). This means outside investors will purchase
bonds for their investment portfolios. Unlike previous building
projects, this effort does not depend
on the donations of community members. Our exceptional
BBB Bond Rating is a point of pride and a level which few
healthcare organizations our size attain.
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How long will the building project take?
The building project will progress in phases and is estimated
to be complete by
November 2008.
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What does the building project include?
- Construction of parking lots and relocation of utilities.
- Construction of three-story Medical Office Building.
This building will host the support services currently
located in the 1913 and 1950 buildings. Plus, Family Practice
Associates Dodgeville clinic will be a tenant.
- Construction of a new radiology/imaging facility to accommodate
new state-of-the-art equipment.
- Construction of an Emergency Garage.
- Demolition of the 1913 and 1950 buildings, and 1946 annex.
- Remodeling of the Emergency Room and Laboratory.
- Construction of a new main entrance to face west/highway
23.
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How will the building project affect the cost of
services at Upland Hills Health?
It won’t.
Because of our excellent financial position and the bond
issuance, the building project should not impact the amount
you or your health insurance provider pays for our services.
In the complex and cumbersome environment of healthcare
costs, this doesn’t preclude pricing changes that may be initiated
by a number of other factors –such as Medicare, Medicaid
reimbursement rates, and health insurance policies’ negotiated
fees.
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Will any of the services be temporarily “closed” during
construction?
No.
Upland Hills Health has partnered with Marshall Erdman & Associates—an
award-wining firm that has designed and built healthcare
facilities throughout the nation for the last 50 years. They
put their expertise and experience to work—plotting
a plan of construction that allows all Upland Hills Health
services to remain fully functional during the 2+ year process.
This is an established requirement for most Marshall Erdman
projects and they have successfully accomplished it time
and time again.
To be honest, there will be some inconvenience
to patients, visitors and staff. But we will work diligently
to minimize the impact to all…with our continuing
focus being:
“To
Provide the Ideal Patient Experience.”
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How will Upland Hills Health ensure quality care
and patient safety during construction?
An established policy and a dedicated team.
Quality care and patient safety are always our number
one priority.
Beyond the many routine safeguards and policies, Upland
Hills Health has an established policy detailing processes
and procedures to ensure quality care and safety during a
construction phase. A specific team of professionals (including
our Risk Manager, Director of Plant Operations, Housekeeping
Supervisor and Infection Control Nurse Manager) coordinate
with Directors of Nursing to work with the construction crew
and review the construction zones. They will meet as necessary
to address potential
problems and anticipate needs on a continuous basis.
In addition, Marshall Erdmann has a time-tested safety
protocol for all construction projects.
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How long before Upland Hills Health has to build
again?
As soon as our community’s needs demand it.
When discussion on this building project began, Upland Hills
Health Board of Directors and administration recognized the
need to plan for the future. With the help of Marshall Erdman & Associates,
Upland Hills Health Master Facility Plan was created. This
Master Facility Plan goes beyond the current building project
detailed here and considers the needs of the future. It anticipates
changes in demographics and our community and how to most
effectively meet future challenges within the confines of
our space and budget.
We are prepared to build on the progress taking place today—as
the community’s needs demand it.
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What about the historical significance
of Upland Hills Health’s current facility?
We are building on our rich history—not living
in the past.
This new building project provides an opportunity to build
on the progressive thinking that epitomized Iowa County’s
healthcare pioneers. We will incorporate historical symbols
into our modern facilities to document and celebrate our
past—while building a modern facility that meets today’s
needs.
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Your patience, please.
We strive to provide Healthcare Excellence by providing the
ideal patient experience. We will continue to do our very
best to achieve that goal.
We humbly ask for your patience as we go through this growing
process. Please monitor your local paper and the Entrance
Alert link on the home page of our website for
entrance changes and updates parking.
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