Litchfield, mn - Meeker Memorial Hospital Opens the Doors to a New Era in Healthcare, according to a press release.

After much anticipation, the new hospital will open its doors today.  Departments will begin operations and move into the new 75,000 square foot expansion on June 29, 2009.  Rehabilitation Services, Emergency Services/Admitting, Radiology, Surgery, Medical Surgical/Critical Care/ OB will all be relocated in a timely move.

Rehabilitation Services will see their patients in the new service area on Mon., June 29.  Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy will be in one location.  Patients arriving at the hospital should use the new South entrance to the facility.

Early in the day, Emergency Services and Admitting will transfer over to the new facility, followed by Radiology Services, Surgery and the Inpatient Floor.  The entire move should occur by evening.  A transition team at the hospital has been working to plan the move with little disruption to patient care to offer a smooth transition to patient services.

Laboratory Services, Meeker Advanced Medicine, Cancer Care and Center for Senior Behavioral Health will remain in the same location and patients and visitors will be routed from the South entrance.  After the move is complete, the old entrances will be closed.  All patients will enter through the new South canopied entrance.

Construction will continue on the project to complete the Admitting, Business Office, Medical Records, new Gift Shop and Chapel.  Additional renovation to the existing building will occur through the summer.   There will be a dedication event planned in the fall to mark the completion of Phase One of the 26.5 million dollar expansion.

Main Hospital Phone:   (320) 693-3242

Central Scheduling:  (320) 693-4519

Web site:  meekermemorial.org (Beginning July 1, take an online hospital preview tour.)

DASSEL, MN - A burglary was reported at 18730 705th Avenue, northwest of Dassel June 22 at the home of Dale Anderson, according to Meeker County Sheriff Jeff Norlin.
There was forced entry through a window and large items were removed including a wooden coffee table, an antique rocking chair, a metal framed bed (no mattress), a mirror, and other furniture.
Anderson told the deputy the burglary would have occurred either June 21 or June 22. The report was taken at 5:08 p.m. June 22.
As of Wednesday, there were no suspects and the case was still under investigation, according to Norlin.