PERRYVILLE, Mo. (Nov. 3, 2026) – Families in Perry County can soon look forward to a more modern, comfortable birth experience as Mercy Perry prepares to renovate its obstetrics unit. The upgrade will create an enhanced environment for moms, babies and their loved ones.
The project will include a full redesign of the obstetrics unit at Mercy Hospital Perry to improve patient flow and capacity. Plans include five larger patient rooms, two labor and delivery rooms, flexible space that can be used as a third labor and delivery room, a new nursery for healthy babies, a new waiting room for family and visitors and an overall improved look and feel for moms and families.
“This transformation of our labor and delivery unit is a direct investment in the families who trust us with some of life’s most important moments,” said Chris Wibbenmeyer, Mercy Perry administrator. “Since joining Mercy three years ago, Mercy Perry has gained access to resources, expertise and support that have helped make projects like this possible. The result will be a more comfortable and healing environment for moms, babies and their loved ones and give our caregivers a newly modernized setting where they will care for them.”
The $2.7 million project is scheduled for three phases over the next 18 months and is expected to be complete in early 2028. The obstetrics renovation will enable Mercy Perry to care for more rural moms and allow them to deliver their babies closer to home.
Mercy Perry has been awarded more than $2 million from the Smart Growth and Service Line Modification program through Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) known as Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care. The Perry County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees unanimously approved a motion during its Aug. 27 meeting to commit to the remaining 25% of the project’s cost.
“Our foundational goal has always been to secure the future of healthcare for Perry County,” said Patrick Naeger, chair of the Perry County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. “We’re grateful to work with Mercy to modernize our labor and delivery services and help fulfill a vital promise to our community to enhance the patient experience, ensuring families can welcome their newest members in a modern, relaxing environment.”
Nationwide, healthcare systems continue to face mounting pressures from major Medicaid funding reductions, workforce shortages and rising costs. Although the $50 billion RHTP represents a federal investment in rural health, it cannot make up for the significant $1 trillion Medicaid cuts enacted through the same legislation. While the program offers resources for infrastructure investments, rural hospitals remain financially fragile, and careful planning by the state is essential to maximize the program’s value and strengthen care in rural communities.
The United States Census Bureau classifies Missouri as having 99 rural counties — including Perry County — and only 16 urban counties. According to the state of Missouri, about 33% of the state’s population, or 2.06 million people, live in these rural areas.
Mercy Perry has brought thousands of babies into the world in its 75-year history and serves patients throughout Perry County, Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. Obstetrics services at Mercy Perry are led by Dr. Craig Frayer, obstetrician/gynecologist, and Dr. Theo Rogers, obstetrician.