Renovations underway at Neosho hospital - KOAM TV 7

Renovations underway at Neosho hospital

Upgraded floors, a new paint color and redecorated walls will soon be completed at Freeman Health System's hospital in Neosho.

It may look a little messy right now but in just a few weeks the hospital's entrance area will have a whole new look, hopefully greeting patients and their families with more of a home-like feel.

"It was needed," says Joe Yust, Facility Services Director for Freeman Health System.  "It has been approximately 13 years - a lot of wear and tear on the flooring, and it's a little bit dated, so it's time for an upgrade."

Thanks to funding from Freeman Health System the hospital's main entrance and corridor will be made over with new flooring and walls.

"It's a positive move and all the patients and visitors have just thought it's been great, so we're looking forward to it being completed and a fresh new look," says Jennifer Ames, Admissions for Freeman Health System.

Most of the construction being done takes place in evening hours when the hospital is less busy so patient services will not be interrupted during the renovations.

"Lab services, radiology, people coming in to get those services done, so we're trying to after hours basically," says Yust.

Ames has worked in Freeman for five years and says the changes create a fresh, new environment for patients.

"The fresh new colors that they're bringing in will be such a positive impact," says Ames.  "It will be more of a welcoming environment, more comfortable, more like a home so to speak, not so institutional."

Construction began on March 1 and so far Ames says it's been a pretty easy transition.

"They've been really fast - it's been minimal as far as intrusion - we can go along with our jobs," says Ames.  "Patients haven't said one complaint about it so it's been great.  They've been working really hard doing it great for us."

The construction is set to be completed by the end of the month.

Employees at Freeman Health System say the construction is slightly ahead of schedule.

The floors are nearly complete and they will soon begin painting the walls.