A physical expansion of The Birth Place, which is taking place on the roof of the Community Health Center, is proceeding according to schedule.  This expansion is necessary because St. Anthony has experienced a strong surge in the number of babies being delivered since the opening of The Birth Place in December 2001.  Births have increased from 273 in fiscal year 2001 to 422 births in fiscal year 2006, an increase of 54.6%.  It has been necessary for some mothers to recuperate after their deliveries on the med/surg unit due to the lack of availability of rooms in The Birth Place.  Over the past year, mothers and families have gone to the medical/surgical unit approximately seven times per month.

The expansion of The Birth Place will include patient services, social services, quality assurance, utilization review, and pastoral care.  The entire project will have a shared meeting room space that will allow for birthing and breastfeeding classes and other meetings.  The total construction project is 7,400 feet and is scheduled for completion in January 2007.

Architects for the expansion are Horty Elving and Associates, construction manager is Graham Construction. General contractor for the project is Warnke Construction.