Site Selected for New Medical Complex in Ironton
Lawrence County Health Care Futures, LLC is pleased to announce a site has been chosen for a bold initiative that is expected to improve the delivery of health care services to people in Lawrence County for many years to come. The proposed site is at the intersection of U.S. Route 52 and State Route 141. It includes approximately 20 acres of land that will allow for several phases of development, which is anticipated to lead to a full service medical complex once the initial phases prove to generate the type of patient demand needed to support such a complex.
Phase 1
The first step after land acquisition, final design, and site development would be the construction of a Family Medical Center with extended urgent care hours. Although still in the final planning stages, the Family Medical Center would serve as the foundation for additional construction. That additional construction could include expanded services such as an imaging center, surgery center and additional specialty clinical space. Phase 1 is beginning with a $2 million investment with the potential of another $18 million investment. This part of the project could create as many as 70 jobs. However, each component of this facility and each phase of the medical complex must prove to be financially feasible prior to construction.
Phase 2
Many in Ironton and the surrounding communities have indicated that they would like to see the return of a full service hospital to Lawrence County. Although any such facility must prove to be financially feasible, this initial Phase 1 project is viewed as being the next key step needed in pursuit of that goal. Patient and community support for Phase 1 will be key in determining if and when Phase 2 is possible.
Partners Working Together to Make It Happen
Shown are representatives from the Lawrence County Healthcare Future, LLC. This group is made up of St. Mary's Medical Center, the Ironton/Lawrence County Community Action Organization, the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, the Lawrence County Port Authority, and Clearpoint Development Group, LLC. The Mayor of Ironton and Ironton City Council, the Lawrence County Commission, and the Ironton Port Authority are also supporting the project.
The Lawrence County Health Care Futures, LLC met prior to this County Commission and City Council meeting to affirm the 141 site will be the site targeted for the proposed medical complex. The Lawrence County Health Care Futures, LLC is a partnership of several health care providers and development leaders. It includes St. Mary’s Medical Center, the Lawrence County Port Authority, Ironton/Lawrence County Community Action Organization, the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, and Clearpoint Development Group, LLC. Other support from local government includes the Lawrence County Commissioners, the Ironton Mayor and Ironton City Council, and the Ironton Port Authority.
Lawrence County Commissioners sign a resolution supporting the development of a medical complex in Ironton.
Resolutions from both the Lawrence County Commissioners and the Ironton City Council passed today demonstrate the support for this project from both the County and the City necessary in order to begin the final acquisition of properties included in this site.
Ironton City Council members sign a resolution supporting the development of a medical complex.
Questions and Answers
Will this lead to a new hospital for Ironton?
Most people in the community would like to see a new hospital, and that will continue to be a primary goal of this project if it is proven to be financially feasible. Because public money is being used to support part of this project, the team leading this initiative believes all investment decisions must be sound investments with \ maximum benefit to the community. Certainly everyone is excited to see this site selection as another important step toward expanded health care services for people in Lawrence County.
Is the site large enough for a hospital?
Architects and engineers have already reviewed this site. Based upon preliminary studies, they have found this site can support a hospital.
Where will the money come from for this project?
Money will come from a variety of public and private sources backed by the various partners. Revenues generated in the initial phases will be used to support construction in the later phases.
When will a new hospital be built?
No absolute timetable has been set because the feasibility of that part of the project still hasn’t been determined. It is the goal to begin construction of the Phase 1 project in 2009.
What's the first thing we'll see happen at this location and when?
Planning is under way right now to bring a family practice center and other expanded services to the site. Acquisition of property, final design, and obtaining permits will begin immediately. A date for construction will be announced later.
What role will St. Mary's Medical Center have in this new development?
St. Mary’s brings more than 80 years of health care experience to this project. St. Mary’s will support the expansion of services that improve the delivery of health care to the community.
What services will St. Mary's have at the complex as part of Phase 1?
Although still in the planning stages, it is expected that additional specialty services will be made available for the convenience of Lawrence County residents. Watch for future announcements of these services.
Why do you need the involvement of the county and city governments for this project?
The resolutions from the county and city allow the partners to move forward and secure the financing and approvals needed to begin the project. Most of the project is being driven by private financing. When the project begins to generate new tax money, some of that new tax money will used to offset the cost of future infrastructure construction as well as provide support for project financing.
For more information, contact:
Doug Korstanje
Director of Marketing and Community Relations
St. Mary's Medical Center
1-304-526-8957
