DeKALB | The new Kishwaukee Community Hospital, a $102 million project, will be completed in October 2007.

According to a Kishwaukee Community Hospital press release, the hospital will be equipped with new technology, a healing garden, 100 private rooms and a design to enhance quality, safety and comfort to patients, visitors and staff.

Community growth has mandated new technology and equipment necessary to meet greater health care demands, said Sharon Emanuelson, director of marketing and public relations at Kishwaukee Health Systems.

“We were running out of room in the existing hospital and some of the infrastructure was unable to handle the new technology,” Emanuelson said.

Auxiliary, a volunteer group at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, has raised more than $8.8 million for the project, funding the healing garden and hospital chapel. Emanuelson said Auxiliary provides 25,000 hours of service annually, and raises funds to improve patient care services, among other things.

The subcontractors used in the construction of the building are local, and as much as 25 percent of the $65 million site and construction budget is coming back into the community, according to a Kishwaukee Community Hospital press release.

Kishwaukee Health Foundation has raised $9 million, helping to ease the cost of mortgage on the new hospital, Emanuelson said.

The building’s features, from woodwork and colors to air conditioning and lighting, were designed to contribute to the healing environment. According to the press release, there will be improvement for privacy and accessibility to both patients and visitors with specific corridors.

The current hospital will be used for office space and community wellness services after the new hospital opens. The cardiac rehabilitation facility will remain in its current location.