Preliminary construction of the St. Rita’s Expansion Project is underway. The new South addition faces Market Street and will house two new surgical suites bringing the medical center’s number of operating rooms to 12. The two-story facility will also allow for future imaging expansion including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and other technology.

"Due to the number of surgeries being performed at the medical center, we needed to expand our number of operating rooms," says Brian Smith, chief operating officer and executive vice president, St. Rita’s. "The new facility, situated between our Emergency department and the 718 building on Market Street will help us to better serve our patients and surgeons," he adds.

The immediate impact for drivers is the temporary closing of the Market Street Emergency entrance. During construction motorists will enter and exit the Emergency Department from Collett Street. Signs are posted to direct traffic.

After construction is complete. the Emergency entrance will return to Market Street, west of the original location.

Construction on St. Rita’s Medical Office Building (MOB #4) between High and North Streets continues to run smoothly.