LandMark Hospital celebrates 5 years and has plans to grow - KOAM TV 7

Landmark Hospital marks five years in business in Joplin and has a plan to grow.

The long term acute care hospital held an open house today, giving tours to social workers, medical personnel and media.

Landmark is able to serve patients longer than regular hospitals with stays averaging from 27 to 30 days as staff treat patients who might need ventilators or have infectious diseases.

Landmark has served about 1,500 patients in its first five years, but is ready to serve more.

It plans to add 12 more beds and that means jobs too.

"We have about 150 full time and part time employees and we certainly would have to add staff if we have 40% increase in capacity," says Landmark Hospital CEO Dennis Nicely.

Nicely says Landmark has received a Certificate of Need so the addition should be constructed in the next year.