Eufaula residents can look forward to renovated patient rooms as well as updates in equipment at the Lakeview Community Hospital. More than $4 million dollars is going to be spent on the project.

Lakeview Community Hospital was bought by the city of Eufaula less than a month ago. The move is making it possible for the hospital to start making improvements almost immediately.

Lakeview Community Hospital in Eufaula is getting some much-needed attention. The hospital has changed hands more than 13 times in the last 12 years, but a recent buy-out is offering some much needed long-term stability.

Lakeview Hospital Marketing Dir. Claudia Hall said, "The city of Eufaula purchased Lakeview Hospital and is leasing to Southeast Alabama Medical Center. We're excited, we have heard no negative comments and they are bringing all their skills and experience here."

The new owners are making it possible for the hospital to hire new employees and to make some needed equipment updates.

"We are getting some staff back and help with patient flow and we'll have more nurses per patient," said Jim Bush, RN.

Lakeview Community Hospital CEO Ralph Clark said, "As we continue to upgrade, we'll end up with a new plant and renovated patient floors."

One area of the hospital being upgraded is the intensive care unit. The facility will receive updated monitoring equipment and will offer more privacy for patients.

"They will increase bed size, it'll increase floor space and provide better privacy for patients," said Marilyn Whitehead, Director of ICU.

The move is also allowing employees of the Lakeview Hospital to participate in training opportunities at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan.

Lakeview Hospital is also looking to add home health care services, a medical equipment store, a pain management center and a sleep disorder clinic. The home health care service could be in operation as soon as next month.