Franciscan Health Crown Point opened its new hospital facility Sunday.
Patients were moved to the new hospital at 12750 Saint Francis Drive from the 50-year-old facility at 1201 S. Main St.
“This second-to-none facility has been mindfully constructed to support the highest acuity of patients in a convenient location,” said Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Daniel McCormick in a press release. “This facility was designed to keep patient care and safety at the center while enveloping employees, patients and families in our Catholic traditions.”
The emergency rooms simultaneously opened and closed at 6 a.m. About 125 patients were moved by ambulances provided by Superior Ambulance Service and Franciscan Health. Nurses transferred to the new location by city of Crown Point trolley. Health Care Relocations helped with the logistics of the move.
Michigan City-based Tonn and Blank, a construction management company, broke ground on the hospital in September 2020.
The new hospital features 199 inpatient beds, which can be expanded to 300. The hospital includes an attached medical office building, and diagnostic and treatment centers. It features a hybrid operating room, neonatal intensive care unit and a pediatric floor.
The Most Rev. Robert McClory, bishop of the Diocese of Gary, blessed the hospital and its St. Joseph Chapel during a dedication ceremony Jan. 10.
Sister Aline Shultz, chairwoman of the Franciscan Alliance board of trustees, said the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration arrived in Lafayette from Germany 148 years ago. Afterward, they started a hospital to care for the poor who were sick.
“They did not have the technology or comforts that surround us today,” she said. “What they did have and what we continue today is our deep commitment to the Catholic Franciscan health care ministry entrusted to us.”
The former Crown Point hospital on Main Street will become the Franciscan Health Main St. Outpatient Center.
Caption: Superior Ambulance Service ambulances arrive at the new Franciscan Health Crown Point hospital with patients transferred from the Main Street hospital Sunday morning. (Provided by Franciscan Health)
