DeKalb Medical Center to Build New Patient Tower

DeKalb Medical Center is planning a $48.5-million project: construction of a new five-story freestanding patient tower and renovation of existing facilities at its campus in Decatur, Ga. Including replacement facilities for the hospital's labor and delivery, postpartum and newborn nursery units, surgical preparation and recovery areas, and patient/family waiting areas, the patient tower will feature larger rooms, more privacy, and greater efficiency. The tower will be built on top of a three-level underground parking deck and will be connected to the main hospital via two overhead pedestrian bridges. Construction on the parking deck will begin in December 2004 and reach completion in approximately twelve months. Construction on the patient tower will follow, with completion expected by year-end 2006. Renovation of existing space will deliver by fall of 2007.