Groundbreaking held for Larry D Neff CT-MRI Suite at Freeman Neosho

(From Freeman Health System)

Freeman Health System held a groundbreaking ceremony at Freeman Neosho Hospital to celebrate the beginning of a project to expand computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services. The project is the largest at the Neosho campus since 1983.

“Our medical staff, employees and volunteers understand and embrace the belief that Freeman Neosho Hospital is here to serve our friends and neighbors,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “This hospital is woven into the fabric of Neosho and Newton County, and we are honored to continue providing quality healthcare to this community.”

When completed, the addition will be named the Larry D. Neff CT-MRI Suite after Larry D. Neff, who passed away May 29. Neff served as chairman of the Freeman Neosho Board of Directors and was an 18-year member of the Freeman Health System Board of Directors.

The project will add approximately 1,700 square feet to the west side of the building. An additional 1,300 square feet of existing space will be renovated, and includes new, state-of-the-art MRI equipment. This piece of equipment is one of the quietest on the market and will increase patient comfort. The number of available appointments will be doubled and a full-time MRI technician will be employed. Costs for the expansion include $1.5 million for construction and $986,000 for MRI equipment and shielding.

“A primary goal at Freeman Neosho Hospital is to make certain that residents in our community don’t have to travel significant distances to receive exceptional healthcare,” said Renee Denton, Freeman Neosho Chief Operating Officer. “This project will greatly benefit our patients by providing them with convenient and timely services with state-of-the-art equipment.”

Initially, a temporary CT-MRI facility will be constructed on the south end of the campus. Once operational, construction on the Larry D. Neff CT-MRI Suite will begin. The project was designed by HMN Architects and will be constructed by Dewitt & Associates. The expansion is scheduled to be completed in late 2017.

(Photo left to right Dr. Larry Barnes, Freeman Neosho Secretary; Ruby Farber, Freeman Neosho Board President; Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Roy Shaver, Freeman Neosho Board Member; Dee Anne Evenson, Freeman Neosho Board Member; Renee Denton, Freeman Neosho Chief Operating Officer; Larry Dean Neff, son of the late Larry D. Neff)