Healing Garden seen as key component to Phase II constru

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The second phase of the Community Hospital construction project continues to progress nicely, according to Hospital President Jim Ulrich. Ulrich said the overall project was looking as if it would have the finishing touches put on by the end of February or early March.

The second phase mainly focuses on the new surgery center, pre-and-post operation areas, as well as inpatient and outpatient services. Having a specifically dedicated outpatient area is also one of the many eagerly awaited benefits the renovation and new construction project will provide.

The second phase also includes the construction of a healing garden, funded in part by the Campaign for Health Hope and Healing, which is still seeking donations and has raised $265,000 year-to-date.

The garden will provide an area for families and patients both to reflect and heal in a calming atmosphere. "We feel strongly that the healthcare atmosphere is a part of the healing process. Especially in hospice scenarios, you are not only caring for the patients, but their close family members as well," said Ulrich as he described the critical role the garden would play.