Dexter, Missouri -  Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County will unveil a new Emergency Services and Adult Voluntary Behavioral Health Unit at an open house from 1 until 3 p.m. on Friday, March 2. The new Emergency Department is located adjacent to Southeast Medical Plaza at 1200 North One Mile Road in Dexter. The project also includes four ambulance bays and an update to the main hospital lobby.

Southeast’s Emergency Services, which offers 24/7 service, has a critical role in providing emergent and life-saving care to individuals throughout Stoddard County. The project includes a total of 30,000 square feet and substantially increase the size of Emergency Services. Features include a new expanded entrance and family lounge, trauma room, cardiac room, obstetrics room, three exam rooms for behavioral health patients and four rooms for non-emergent healthcare needs. 

The Adult Voluntary Behavioral Health Unit located on the second floor of the new addition includes 15 private patient rooms with full bathrooms along with areas for activities, group therapy, dining and visiting.

“The Emergency Services expansion will help meet the growing number of patients seeking care,” said Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County CEO Sue Ann Williams. She noted that the original Emergency Department was built in the 1970s, before the infiltration of computers and electronic technology. The department, built to serve 7,000 patients annually, currently serves almost 12,000 patients annually. “With the new Emergency Services, we have double the number of treatment rooms, which means shorter wait times for patients and a better overall patient experience,” Williams said. The new area also includes the latest technology which will benefit patients close to home.

Ken Bateman, President and Chief Executive Officer of SoutheastHEALTH, pointed out the project, largest ever at Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County, underscores the health system’s commitment to Dexter and the surrounding region and also exemplifies the outstanding community support of the Regional Healthcare Foundation. The enhanced service offerings will provide 50 to 75 new jobs in Dexter and its surrounding communities.

The Adult Voluntary Behavioral Unit will replace the current unit at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau and will allow a more centralized location for services, Bateman explained. “With its dedicated holding area for behavioral health patients within Emergency Services, there is the benefit of a safer environment for patients and staff.” Approximately 650 behavioral health patients are treated by SoutheastHEALTH annually. 

Bateman added that “as we continue to evolve our behavioral health program in Stoddard County, an outpatient clinic will be added to ensure ongoing follow-up care.”

The new addition, The Norman Harty Pavilion, recognizes the many contributions made to the community and Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County by the late Norman Harty. The Dexter businessman and his wife, the late Billie Jean Harty, built a business empire in general contracting, explosive industrial blasting, nursing care facilities and First Commercial Bank branches in southeast Missouri. Their dedication to the Dexter community is exemplified by his generosity.

Architects for the Emergency Services and Adult Voluntary Behavioral Health Unit are Bates and Associates of St. Louis. Construction was overseen by Kiefner Brothers Construction of Cape Girardeau. 

About SoutheastHEALTH

At SoutheastHEALTH, the region's premier healthcare system in southeast Missouri, our patients receive excellent care of the highest clinical quality, close to home. Within our network are more than 50 care locations in 14 communities, including hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics representing over 30 clinical specialties and extending care for patients in a four-state area. Learn more at SEhealth.org.