Southeast Missouri Hospital has awarded a contract for room renovations in preparation for installation of a new linear accelerator in the hospital's Regional Cancer Center.

Assistant Administrator Richard Meyer said the contract for approximately $200,000 was awarded Kiefner Brothers Construction Co.

The $1.6 million project, which includes the linear accelerator as well as room modifications, was approved last May by the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee.

During construction radiation therapy patients will be treated on the Regional Cancer Center's second linear accelerator.

Officials hope to have the new accelerator in use by Jan. 1.