Freeman unveils completed fifth floor - KOAM TV 7

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon comes to Joplin to tour Freeman Hospital's completed fifth floor.

The governor and Freeman CEO Paula Baker cut the ribbon today before touring the floor.

The $8 million construction project started in August and provides 29 more cardiology, medical and surgical beds, all in private rooms, and totals 24,000 square feet.

"I think having the windows and having the openness so you can see outside, I think it's really important, there are some folks that go into a hospital and it's just eternal," says Governor Nixon.  "This is one that is clearly built with two things in mind - making sure that the outside is seen and also making sure the families or folks that are sick or injured have a comfortable place to be with them."

"The need was so great because since we are the only fully functioning hospital in the community, the demand for service has been very great and we don't want patients to be transferred out of their community for service, so with these 29 beds it'll really help place 29 patients that need our care," says Baker.

"They're just so excited to get started and to be able to provide the care that they've worked so hard and trained for, so we're just really excited for this opportunity," says April Bennette, the Assistant Director of the Cardiac Medical Unit.

"The strength of the folks in Joplin is something that continues to inspire the country," says Governor Nixon.