Thursday, October 07, 2010
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Presbyterian Healthcare has filed an updated application to build a 64-bed, acute care hospital in Fort Mill, SC. Presbyterian filed its original application in March 2005 but was not awarded the certificate of need (CON) to build the new facility in May 2006. After years of legal proceedings, the S.C. Administrative Law Court ruled that the State Health Plan was misinterpreted during the initial decision and that all applicants should be given the opportunity to once again be considered for the CON.
Earlier this week, Presbyterian submitted its updated proposal for Presbyterian Hospital Fort Mill—a $76.2 million community hospital that will be located at the intersection of Interstate 77 and Sutton Road in Fort Mill. If approved, the new hospital will feature 50 medical/surgical beds, six intensive care beds and an eight-bed maternity unit. The new hospital will also feature 24-hour emergency services, advanced diagnostic imaging, surgery and a wide range of other services.
“We currently serve thousands of our York County neighbors each year at our hospitals and outpatient centers in Charlotte, as well as our six physician practices located throughout York County,” said Paula Vincent, senior vice president of operations for Presbyterian Healthcare. “We are excited to bring an even higher level of care where it’s needed most—closer to home.”
Along with its updated application, Presbyterian submitted over 2,600 letters of support from York County residents, elected officials and business leaders. Demonstrating community support for a proposed hospital is a required part of the certificate of need process.
“We’re extremely grateful for the community support for our proposal,” said Andrew Mueller, MD, of Blakeney Family Physicians and physician executive for Presbyterian Healthcare. “The residents of York County expressed their desire for choice, competition and improved quality, and we believe that’s exactly what we’ll bring with Presbyterian Hospital Fort Mill.”
In addition to Presbyterian, Tenet Healthcare-owned Piedmont Medical Center and Carolinas HealthCare System submitted applications to build the new Fort Mill hospital. A new decision from the State is expected in spring 2011.
