THE HORMEL FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES $750,000
TO THE AUSTIN MEDICAL CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT

The Hormel Foundation announced on Monday, June 13, 2011 its commitment of $750,000 towards the $28.5 million expansion of the Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Austin (formerly Austin Medical Center).

"Medicine is so important in our livelihood," said Richard Knowlton, chairman of the foundation, during the press conference Monday. "Mayo has always been the first word here in Austin."

The hospital's 86,500 square foot, three-story expansion project is set to begin in late July. Hospital official expect the $28 million project to last 20-24 months, with most of the construction taking place in 2012, followed by remodeling in 2013.

The goal of this expansion project is to build a healthier community. The primary value is "The needs of the patient come first." In support of this value the Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Austin is expanding its services by investing in state-of-the-art space and equipment, which will enable the medical center to meet the needs of patients and recruit additional physicians and other key care-team members to our community.

With the construction the clinic will be implementing the Mayo Clinic Model of Community Care, which means care that is trusted and affordable, technologically advanced, in new patient rooms, where patient wellness is the goal. The model includes:

• A customized Care Plan managed and coordinated for each patient
• A new, convenient medical center that meets most patient care needs, including:

o Expanded orthopedic service integrating physical therapy, podiatry, pain clinic, and sports medicine.
o Education and research conducted by staff.
o A full service Eye Clinic conveniently located in the new main lobby.
o A convenient Mayo Store for health care supply needs.
o A modernized and convenient visitors' cafeteria.
o New jobs in the community (72.8 FTE's).