Dexter, Missouri - Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County will begin new Emergency Services effective June 4 at 7 a.m. The new Emergency Department is located adjacent to Southeast Medical Plaza at 1200 North One Mile Road in Dexter. The project also includes three ambulance bays and an update to the main hospital lobby.

Southeast’s Emergency Services, which offers 24/7 service, provides emergent and life-saving care to individuals throughout Stoddard County. The project, a total of 30,000 square feet, substantially increases the size and offering 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. “The new Emergency Services doubles 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.

The Adult Voluntary Behavioral Unit scheduled to open June 12, will replace the current unit at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau and will allow a more centralized location for services. The dedicated holding area for behavioral health patients within Emergency Services, provides a safer environment for patients and staff. Approximately 750 behavioral health patients are treated by SoutheastHEALTH annually.

Williams added that “as we continue to evolve our behavioral health program in Stoddard County, an outpatient program will be added to ensure ongoing follow-up care.” Details of the outpatient services will be forthcoming as they develop.

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.

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 13 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.