(Pueblo, CO September 9, 2008) – Parkview Medical Center is pleased to announce a $31 million; 92,000 square foot expansion to the main campus on Grand Ave. Construction on the latest expansion is scheduled to begin on September 15 with a completion date in early 2010. Parkview Medical Center has been strengthening the lives of Southern Colorado residents for more than 80 years. Today, that commitment continues as the medical center adapts to meet the area’s growing healthcare needs.

During the early planning stages of the expansion, a team of hospital leaders worked with architects and planners to create a direction for the building project. Opinions were sought from patients, nurses, physicians, staff and members of the community. Parkview is creating a healthcare environment featuring healing and patient-friendly accommodations.

This premier, 6-story tower will feature a new main entrance with an expanded lobby, 54 new private patient rooms, as well as a conveniently located Gift Shoppe and Café. The new expansion will also include space to add an additional 54 private rooms in the future, if the needs for healthcare in the community continue to grow.

Parkview Medical Center is proud to be the region’s leader in providing healthcare as well as providing exceptional customer service, not only to patients and their families but also to the Pueblo community. “This expansion plan will enhance Parkview’s ability to provide the quality of care that Southern Colorado has come to expect when they enter our doors,” explained Mike Baxter, Parkview Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Over the last several years, under the leadership of CEO, C.W. Smith, Parkview was able to obtain an A-3 Bond rating which has made financing for the expansion possible. “We were able to borrow funds at 5% over thirty (30) years. These finance terms were the best ever secured by the Medical Center,” Baxter explained. “With some business decisions- timing is everything and for Parkview the timing in securing the bond financing for this expansion, was nearly perfect.” Proceeds from the 2008 Parkview Foundation Starlight Gala will also be earmarked for the expansion project.

Patient safety and customer service will continue to be of the utmost importance at Parkview during the construction process. The main entrance to the hospital will be relocated to the 17^th Street entrance, which is located between Grand Avenue and Greenwood Avenue. Patients and visitors will find convenient valet parking at that entrance. Public parking will continue to be available in the parking garage on the corner of 17^th Street and Grand Avenue. Emergency department parking will be available in Lot F, conveniently located on 16^th Street to the south of Parkview’s Medical Office Building.

“We are working very hard to make disruptions in the neighborhood as minimal as possible and we are looking forward to 2010 when we can unveil a state-of-the-art healthcare facility the entire community will be proud of,” Baxter concluded.