Construction will start this fall on a major facilities improvement and expansion at HaysMed.  During a news conference Thursday morning, President and CEO Dr. John Jeter said the two-year plan addresses  many issues related to the medical center’s growth and success.

Major project components include a new medical and office tower connecting the Miller and Bickle Pavillions; expansion of the Women’s Center labor and delivery services; renovation  of the Dreiling/ Schmidt Cancer Institute to expand space and patient waiting rooms; and relocation of the Breast Care Center from Oak Park Plaza to the hospital main campus.

Project cost is $18.5 million dollars to be funded by HaysMed and the Hays Medical Center Foundation.  A public capital campaign kicked off Thursday morning.  More than $3 million dollars has already been raised during the initial campaign.

The new medical tower will be named in recognition of campaign co-chairman  Don Bickle, who along with his wife Chris, have donated $1 million to the project.