Plans are in the works for a $70 million dollar expansion at Highland Hospital that would result in nearly all its patients receiving private rooms.
Highland spokesperson Maureen Malone says the aging facility needs to be modernized, and there are many advantages to having private rooms for patients.
"Privacy, lessened noise, the therapeutic impact from that. But also reduced risk of infections, and just more adequate space overall for your family to join you," she said.
The plan would add four levels to the hospital's southeast wing, adding 60 private patient-care rooms, and allowing for Highland to move patients currently in semi-private rooms to private ones.
98 percent of the patient rooms would be private.
Design has not yet begun, and the city would have to authorize rezoning the facility.
Malone adds the hospital will work collaboratively with various neighborhood groups to gather input and address any issues the groups may have.
"As we move through the project, as we move through city approvals for the zoning, we'll continue to work with area neighbors and listen to their feedback in an effort to mitigate any potential concerns," she said.
Vice chair of the Highland Park Neighborhood Association, Michael Thompson, released this statement in response:
"We appreciate that Highland Hospital has sought input from neighbors regarding additions to its facilities, and we support the hospital’s efforts to improve patient care through modernization projects.
Regarding the hospital’s zoning plan and addition to the southeast wing, we’re looking forward to getting more precise information about the proposed addition and of their new zoning plan’s envelope-and to continuing our discussions with the hospital."
Following rezoning and certificate of need approvals, construction could begin in the spring of 2020 and be completed in the spring of 2022.