Myrtue’s Harlan Rural Health Clinic Expansion to Move Forward Fall of 2024

The expansion and renovation of Myrtue Medical Center’s Harlan Rural Health Clinic will significantly address the evolving healthcare needs throughout Shelby County. Over the last four years, Myrtue has proactively added new providers, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing medical services and ensuring communities receive comprehensive care. Myrtue Medical Center’s Board of Trustees has approved the first phase of the expansion project, which includes a $3.2 million investment in site work to prepare the area for a two-floor addition to the Rural Health Clinic. The total project is estimated at $21 million and set to have a final bid presented to the Board in August. It will include several key improvements that will benefit both patients and staff.

The Rural Health Clinic will receive additional patient exam rooms and staff work areas. The project also will include Behavioral Health to address the increasing mental health needs and improve integration of behavioral health services and primary care within the Rural Health Clinic. This plan will allow for continued growth with the benefit of shorter wait times and more specialized behavioral health services.

The enhancements aim to streamline workflow and improve patient privacy. In response to a 36 percent growth in the Surgery and Outpatient Specialty Clinic, the expansion will also allow some Specialty Clinic physicians to serve patients in the Rural Health Clinic. This change will free up additional exam rooms in the Specialty Clinic, facilitating continued growth and development. Additionally, the Inpatient Department will include upgrades to patient rooms and centralization of the nursing station to allow for greater nurse visibility and proximity to patient rooms.

Myrtue Medical Center has contracted Murray Company, a construction firm with expertise in rural healthcare facilities, and Altus Architectural Studios, a design firm specializing in the healthcare industry, to undertake this project. Both firms have a record of excellence and are involved in Myrtue’s Emergency Department expansion and renovation, ensuring a cohesive development plan for the entire medical center.

The scope of the project is to design a 28,000 square-feet, two-floor addition to the Rural Health Clinic. Rural Health programmed space consists of 24 exam rooms, two procedure rooms, 10 provider offices, and support space. Behavioral Health is planned to occupy approximately 7,000 square feet of the second floor space with a secondary entrance from the east of the addition. This area will include 16 therapist offices, crisis waiting rooms, and support space. The balance of second floor will be shelled space for future expansion and growth. Parking will be modified to increase additional parking spaces to the south and east of the addition.

“This development will not only address current demands but also accommodate future growth, ensuring that Shelby County residents have access to high-quality medical services for years to come, said Myrtue CEO, Barry Jacobsen. “This expansion and renovation is positioned to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Shelby County.”