Saint Louis University Hospital and Des Peres Hospital to Invest $27 Million in Technology and Patient Care Enhancements Reinforcing Commitment to Community Care and Hospital Growth

Saint Louis University Hospital and Des Peres Hospital announced today plans to invest almost $27 million in capital during 2006 to purchase advanced medical technology and fund patient care enhancements to support growth in a number of areas including cardiac services, minimally invasive surgery, outpatient services and programs, and imaging services. Funding for these purchases and enhancements includes a supplemental capital allocation from Tenet recently made to their hospitals across the country.

At Saint Louis University Hospital, plans include $6.3 million in spending above and beyond the $12.8 million already intended for major projects this year, including adding a 64-slice PET/CT and 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging, expansion of the Post-Anesthesia Recovery Unit, updates to technology in the Endoscopy Unit, renovation of the hospital lobby and waiting rooms, upgrades to the hospital’s IT structure, and purchasing equipment for the Laboratories and Operating Rooms. Other projects underway include adding a 32-40 slice CT, updating cardiac ultrasound equipment, expanding CyberKnife capabilities, and creating a Center for Advanced Geriatrics.

For Des Peres Hospital, plans include $2.9 million in spending above and beyond the $4.9 million already committed to major projects this year, including construction and renovations to develop a dedicated cardiac ICU, add a new 16-slice CT and expand the waiting area for the interventional cardiac catherization lab. With the additional funds, Des Peres Hospital will also be renovating patient rooms and public areas and purchasing additional equipment.

In addition, both hospitals are installing a picture archiving and communications system (PACS), including several high-definition video monitor stations that enable clinicians to remotely view and share medical images, enhancing patient care.

“This is very good news for our hospitals, our affiliated physicians and our patients,” said Michele Meyer, chief executive officer at Des Peres Hospital. “We recognize that ongoing capital investment in our hospitals is critical to making sure they remain competitive in their markets, and we’re committed to helping them bring advanced medical technology and enhanced patient care to our communities.”

“In addition to enabling our hospitals to remain competitive, capital investment in the newest technology has to offer is critical to maintaining Saint Louis University Hospital’s mission as an academic medical center,” says Crystal L. Haynes, chief executive officer at Saint Louis University Hospital. “Our future doctors, nurses and allied health professionals must have access to up-and-coming equipment for diagnosing and treating illness and injury. "

The approximately $27 million earmarked for the two hospitals is part of the enhanced capital investment that Tenet is allocating to its hospitals across the country in 2006. The company said it now expects capital spending this year to reach approximately $800 million, compared to the range of $550 to $650 million the company had previously committed to spend on capital improvements during 2006.

Tenet Missouri, part of Tenet Healthcare Corporation’s Central Northeast Region, comprises two acute care hospitals in the St. Louis metropolitan area with 523 beds and numerous related health care services. Facilities include Des Peres Hospital and Saint Louis University Hospital. Tenet’s hospitals aim to provide the best possible care to every patient who comes through their doors, with a clear focus on quality and service. Tenet can be found on the World Wide Web at www.tenethealth.com.

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