Big Bucks for Green Bay Hospitals

In a move that's sure to shake things up, a major investment is coming to Green Bay. Two hospitals are about to get a serious upgrade. The plan is to pump $270 million into HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital. This is the biggest investment ever made in the area. The goal is to make these hospitals even better than they already are. St. Mary's is getting a complete makeover. A new patient tower will be built for intensive and intermediate care. The hospital will be brighter with more natural light, which is known to help patients heal faster. The hallways will be wider, the entrance more spacious, and there will be more parking. This is all part of a plan to make the hospital more comfortable and easier to navigate. The design is still in the works, but construction is set to start this summer and wrap up in three years. Local contractors will be used as much as possible, including a general contractor from Fond du Lac. St. Vincent Hospital, which offers level 2 trauma care and has a Children’s hospital, is also in line for some upgrades. The details are still being worked out, but the goal is to meet the needs of a growing population. Why the big investment? Brown County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Wisconsin, with a 12% population increase over the past 25 years. With more people moving in and the population aging, there's a greater need for healthcare services. The hospitals are also seeing more patients traveling from far away to seek care. The location of St. Mary’s is a big plus. It’s near a major highway, making it easy for people to get to from all over the region. This includes those coming from as far north as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to as far south as Fond du Lac. The hospital's partner, Prevea Health, has also made a large investment in its nearby medical campus. The hospitals are part of a larger system that includes HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and HSHS St. Clare Memorial in Oconto Falls. This investment is a big deal for the community. It’s not just about the money; it’s about making sure everyone has access to the healthcare they need. This is a smart move that will benefit everyone in the long run.