State committee to decide whether to add new Poplar Bluff hospital's site change to today's agenda

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee may make a decision today on Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center's request to build a new seven-story hospital along Oak Grove Road.

According to a meeting notice, the committee will hold a telephonic administrative meeting at 9 a.m. today with the second topic being to add the hospital's site change proposal to today's agenda as requested by several committee members.

"Wow! That's good news," Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center CEO Greg Carda said.

If the committee approves putting it on today's agenda, the site change proposal will be considered today. If the request is not approved, the proposal will remain on the Sept. 12 certificate of need meeting agenda.

On May 9, the committee approved a certificate of need for Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center to build its new hospital along Route PP. Then, the medical center decided to return to the Eight Points site being offered by the K2 Commercial Group.

A hearing on the hospital's request to relocate was scheduled for July 11, but the committee voted 4-1 to change the agenda and postpone the hearing until its next regular scheduled meeting on Sept. 12.

In late July, an attempt was made to expedite the hearing, but the committee voted 4-2 to retain the Sept. 12 hearing date.

"Apparently, the owners of the existing site have lifted their opposition and support the K2 site now that their property has been purchased," committee chairman James Tellatin of Wildwood, Mo., said Thursday.

Waiting for the word

Health Management Associates of Naples, Fla., which owns Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, plans to construct a $173 million hospital with 250 private beds at a 62-acre site on the south side of Oak Grove Road between Shelby Road and the U.S. 67 Bypass.

If the committee does approve the site change today, the facility will be able to start construction a month sooner.

In addition, the city and the Missouri Department of Transportation can move ahead with construction of a new interchange at the U.S. 67 Bypass and Oak Grove Road and the improvement of the intersection of North Westwood Boulevard and Oak Grove Road. Plans also include widening Oak Grove Road to five lanes between the US. 67 Bypass and North Westwood.

The K2 Commercial Group has plans for a large retail development on the north side of Oak Grove Road.

The telephonic administrative meeting is open to the public. To listen to the proceedings, call toll number 573-526-5402.