In 2003, the hospital completed a multimillion-dollar expansion. This addition included an oncology/infusion unit; private two-room mammography suite; surgical suites; expansion of ambulatory care, with an additional scope room; geriatric behavioral health unit; and shipping and receiving area.

Additions in 2005 to the hospital's services included a sterile supply unit and an additional waiting room. Other spaces such as imaging services, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, lab, medical records and nursing administration were remodeled.

Harrisburg Medical Center's Home Health Care provides a variety of services to patients in the comfortable and familiar surrounding of their homes. HMC Home Health serves citizens in nine counties within a 50-mile radius of Harrisburg. The hospital and HMC Foundation conduct outreach programs to the community through Wellness Workshops, luncheons, T.E.A.'s (Teaching Early Awareness), arthritis education and exercise programs, and wellness activities for schools and other community organizations. Partnerships with businesses in particular, Southeastern Illinois College have allowed us to broaden the services we offer. Several clinics and numerous physicians serve the people of southeastern Illinois.

As a major employer and regional health care provider, Harrisburg Medical Center takes a leadership role in the promotion of quality health care including the prevention of disease.  With this commitment comes the responsibility of providing a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors, and staff.  To establish and maintain the safest possible environment in which to deliver health care, Harrisburg Medical Center established a tobacco-free campus policy.  Effective Tuesday, May 1, 2007 the policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff in buildings and company vehicles and on all property owned and leased by the hospital.

This initiative for a tobacco-free campus has received support from the hospital's Administration, Board of Directors, and Medical Staff.  Smoke/tobacco-free initiatives are gaining momentum throughout the nation, and many hospitals have already eliminated tobacco use on their campuses.

The health reasons for establishing a tobacco-free campus is staggering. As noted by the American Lung Association, "Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 430,700 American lives each year.  Smoking costs the United States approximately $97.2 billion each year in health-care costs and lost productivity.  It is directly responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer cases and causes most cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis."

With this in mind, Harrisburg Medical Center is taking a leadership role and responsibility for providing a healthier, smoke and tobacco-free environment for patients, visitors and employees.

For free advice and information about Smoking Cessation, contact the American Lung Association's Quitline "1-866-QUIT-YES".