For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Gloria O'Connell, 612-863-4801

Allina's Buffalo Hospital welcomes new Birth Center into the world

BUFFALO, Minn. 07/29/2010--Allina's Buffalo Hospital dedicated a new Birth Center today with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and guided tours of the facility.

Karla Heeter, Buffalo Hospital Foundation executive director introduced hospital leaders and community dignitaries, including Nathan Allen, Buffalo Hospital Board of Trustees chair; Amy Koch, Minnesota State Senator; Linda Dircks, Buffalo Hospital Foundation Board chair; Jennifer Emery, MD, Maternal/Fetal Medicine Department chairperson, and Jennifer Nelson, Buffalo Hospital president.

The new Birth Center is a $7.1 million community investment. Allina Hospitals & Clinics committed $6.1 million, and hundreds of people from the community contributed financial gifts totaling more than $825,000 toward a $1 million goal.

Among the donors were the physicians and employees of Buffalo Clinic, P.A. and Minnesota Neonatal Physicians, P.A. Hospital employees and volunteers contributed a significant amount to start the fundraising campaign. Because of a gift, all artwork displayed throughout the center was created by local artists.

The new Birth Center is a 17,800 square-foot second floor expansion on the one-story hospital and four times larger than the old facility. It was designed by HGA Architects and Engineers with substantial input from the nursing staff. Construction started in September 2009, and J.E. Dunn was the general contractor.

The center features spacious labor and delivery rooms, state-of-the art technology and extra amenities to mimic the comforts of home. There are two nurseries, including an expanded Level II nursery for preemies and babies needing extra care. The center also features a dedicated lactation room and internationally certified lactation consultants.

Thanks to a gift from the Buffalo Hospital Foundation Board, every time a baby is born, a new chime system will play a lullaby throughout the hospital, letting everyone know.

About Buffalo Hospital

Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Buffalo Hospital is a not-for-profit regional medical center committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Wright County. Information about Buffalo Hospital's services, along with the latest health information, can be found online at buffalohospital.org.