Regions Hospital to open first phase of expansion

New expanded emergency department ready for patients
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(Business Wire)--
The first phase of Regions Hospital`s Expansion 2009 is complete, with
Wednesday`s opening of the 54,000-square-foot Emergency Center. The hospital`s
new main entrance on Jackson Street will also open, along with an adjacent
450-space underground parking ramp for patients and their guests.

"Our new emergency department is representative of this entire project -- it
allows us to provide the best possible care for our patients," said Brock
Nelson, president and CEO, Regions. "With larger triage areas to prioritize who
needs care right away, and services like an on-site pharmacy, we can give our
patients the treatment they need as quickly as possible."

The new Emergency Center, which is the largest in the east metro, will have 53
beds, as well as an 11-bed mental health crisis unit and on-site radiology and
lab services. An eight-bed "fast track" area for patients with minor injuries or
illnesses will help get them assessed and treated in less than 60 minutes.
Reducing wait times is a significant issue for many hospitals around the
country. Regions` Emergency Center is expected to care for more than 66,000
patients this year, with that yearly number growing to 85,000 in the next five
years.

"With a better work flow and all these additional treatment rooms and services
right in the ER, our patients will begin their work-ups and treatment more
quickly, they`ll have greater privacy and be closer to their families," said
Kurt Isenberger, M.D., interim department head, Regions Hospital Emergency
Center.

To accelerate the expansion and renovation of the Emergency Center, Regions
Hospital Foundation undertook its first-ever funding campaign. The campaign has
raised more than $7.6 million.

The next phase of Expansion 2009 is scheduled to open this fall, when surgical
services moves to the new section, followed by the inpatient care units. Floors
6, 7, 8 and 9 will each have 36 private rooms. Overall, the $179 million
Expansion 2009 project is 11 stories, with 385,000 square feet of new
construction. Construction of the project began in November 2006.

"This expansion is a strategic investment geared towards growing Regions
Hospital," said Nelson. "Despite these difficult economic times and major
funding challenges facing safety net hospitals, we believe that our ability to
grow and attract new patients is a critical part of remaining competitive and
ensuring we can continue to offer the unique services that only Regions
provides."

About Regions Hospital

Regions Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital serving
Minnesota and western Wisconsin for more than 130 years. Regions is a private,
non-profit hospital providing outstanding care in women`s health, heart, cancer,
surgery, orthopaedics, neurosciences, burn, emergency care and more. Regions is
part of the HealthPartners family of care. Additional information is available
at regionshospital.com.

Regions Hospital
Jessica Flannigan, 952-883-7410
651-629-0411: pager
Jessica.R.Flannigan@HealthPartners.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009