The $4.5 million dollar project will build-out the 17,500 square foot floor with patient rooms so the 5th floor can be used for the first time. The six-story tower was opened in 1997.

The beginning of construction was marked by a ceremony today attended by approximately 100 government and business leaders from the Dan River Region.

Landon Wyatt, for whom the Tower is named, was the main speaker. Wyatt served on the Board of Directors of the Medical Center for 30 years, 24 of them as Chairman.

Completion of the 5th and 6th floors of the Tower was a commitment made by LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., which purchased Danville Regional in July, 2005. "We're delighted to be moving forward with this significant investment, which will enhance the environment for quality patient care," said Jess Judy, the LifePoint executive responsible for Danville Regional Medical Center. The build-out of the 6th floor will begin after the 5th floor project is complete next winter.

The 5th floor will accommodate up to 46 patients and will include nursing stations and offices for clinical employees. The patient rooms will be 325 square feet, much larger than the 240 square rooms that will be replaced in an older part of the hospital. No decision has been made about use of the space in the "J" building where the patient rooms are located.

"The rooms will be large enough to accommodate two patients," said Judy. "Some rooms may be private, depending on the patient census.

"We are confident that patients and their families will appreciate the caring environment that these rooms offer," said Gary P. Miller, Chief of the Medical Staff. "We recognize the importance that family and friends play in making patients comfortable while in the hospital."

The rooms will be bright with crisp colors and lots of sunshine since the building faces South. Cabinets will be built for patients' belongings. There will be shelves for flowers, and televisions mounted within the cabinetry. Each room will have a private bath and shower.

Patients and visitors also will welcome the convenience of the new rooms. Elevators to the 5th floor of the Tower are a few steps from the Information Desk in the lobby of the main entrance.

"We have designed the project to minimize inconvenience to patients and visitors during construction," said Judy. A temporary elevator is being installed on the outside of the Wyatt Tower to carry materials to the 5th floor.

Danville Regional is the leading hospital in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina, providing open-heart surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Approximately 140 physicians are on the medical staff. The Medical Center employs approximately 1,500 people. Learn more on www.danvilleregional.com.