To meet the increasing demand for services, Jefferson Community Health & Life is breaking ground this May on an expansive renovation and expansion project estimated at $4.8 million. The project highlights a state-of-the-art therapy department and renovation of the fitness center pool and locker rooms. The project is expected to take just more than a year.
“At Jefferson Community Health & Life, our mission has always been to grow alongside our community,” said Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO.
The 6,380-square-foot addition marks a new chapter of clinical excellence and patient convenience with direct front door access.
“This isn’t just a facelift, it’s a transformation,” said Amy Martin, JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Director. “For the first time in our history, we are introducing a dedicated space specifically designed for athletes and sports rehab. We’ve done great work in our current space, but it’s time to grow. This expansion gives us the specialized space for patients at every stage of their recovery.”
The new area will include an entrance for patients to access therapy services directly. It also includes additional private treatment rooms to enhance patient privacy and large adult and pediatric gym areas.
“We’ve dreamed of having a space that grows with our patients, and this new addition makes that a reality. Having a private, direct entrance into the therapy area is a game-changer for patient experience; it makes coming in for treatment easier and more welcoming,” Martin said. “We are thrilled to finally have the room and the specialized resources to help our community across all ages reach their health and fitness goals.”
The department’s 6 physical therapists, 2 occupational therapists, 2 speech therapists, 2 therapy assistants and 4 therapy aides/receptionists care for outpatients, pediatrics, inpatients, skilled nursing and home health patients.
“Our therapists offer a wide range of therapy, and we are excited to build space that will best meet the needs of our patients for the therapy they need,” Wolff said.
Besides the therapy addition, the project includes renovation of the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center locker rooms and repairs to the pool area. The locker rooms are original to the facility when it was built in 1996, and are in need of updating. Locker rooms will get new non-slip flooring, new lockers and benches, new plumbing and new HVAC systems. The men’s locker room will have 4 private showers, replacing the current communal shower. The women’s locker room will have an additional bathroom stall added. The pool area will also receive renovation, with a new non-slip pool deck, resurfacing of the pool, and a new ceiling. The project will also include removing and replacing the stucco finish from the exterior of the fitness center and replacing it with durable metal siding.
The architectural firm working on this project is Davis Design of Lincoln and general contractor will be Beckenhauer Construction. JCH&L has worked with both firms for past projects. JCH&L staff member Rick Johnson will serve as project manager.
The JCH&L board approved moving forward with the project last fall, and staff have been working with Davis Design to develop an addition that would meet the needs of the therapy department for the best patient care and service. They have also been working to structure the project to minimize service disruptions during construction.
“Thank you in advance to our patients and customers for their understanding and patience during the construction period. We will try to keep inconveniences to a minimum, but know there will be some,” Wolff said. “We will work to keep the community informed about changes that may affect them.”
This project will also pave the way for additional improvements in the future, including more space for JCH&L Behavioral Health and the JCH&L Cafeteria.
