A $400 million 'destination' medical planned in Rockford, Ill., will the largest single capital project in the area's history, according to an article on the rrstar.com website.

The 188-bed medical center will be built on 263 acres  and will include a women's and children's hospital with neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, a pediatric emergency department and a high-risk maternity unit; an adult hospital with a Level 1 trauma center and 10 operating suites for inpatient and outpatient surgery; and a comprehensive diagnostic center and other advanced medical services.

Engineering studies showed that it would cost more to retrofit  Rockford Memorial Hospital than to build a second campus, and the building's design made it inefficient to upgrade with the latest technology.

MercyRockford plans to continue offering outpatient and inpatient services at the original campus, concentrating on services provided at recently renovated facilities.

Read the article.