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Swedes' medical center in Belvidere may debut in April.

BELVIDERE - Brian McGee has been waiting for a hospital in Boone County.  "It seems like the bigger (Belvidere) got, the less we had," the Belvidere resident said, referring to the city's two hospitals, which closed years ago. 

He won't have to wait much longer.

Construction on SwedishAmerican Health System's medical center in Belvidere is nearing completion, and officials are planning for an April grand opening.

The city hasn't had a full-service hosptial since OSF Saint Joseph Hospital closed in 1999.  SwedishAmerican, which bought the 1625 S. State St. facility more than a year ago, hopes it can capture the growing Boone County market even though the increased number of Boone patients seeking health care in Rockford was partly to blame for the other hosptial closures.

"We wouldn't have made the leap of faith if we didn't think there was high enough of a demand for services," said Don Daniels, the medical center's administrator.  "This is an extension of SwedishAmerican.  Culturally, operationally and qualitywise, it will be very similar."

SwedishAmerican has invested about $22 million in the building, which will include inpatient services, physical therapy, sleep labs and women's services.  The center also will have 24-hour emergency care available to residents. 

When Saint Joseph Hospital closed in September, 1999, officials said its financial problems stemmed from more residents seeking care in Rockford and suburban Chicago. 

Having fewer patients had a direct effect on finances, said Joel Cowen, assistant dean for Health Systems Research at the college.

Saint Joseph lost more than $4 million during its final year of operation.

Lois Swenson, the former Boone County coroner, said it was hard on the community when Saint Joseph closed. 

"It was a very sad day for Boone County." Swenson said.  "It didn't make sense to close, as it impacted many families."

By Melissa Westphal

Rockford Register Star