Hunter
02/18/21
The Iowa State Health Facilities Council narrowly denied an application by the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to build a new $230 million facility on Wednesday.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that those for and against the facility argued fervently during Wednesday’s hearing. Opponents say the new 36-bed hospital is unnecessary and could put existing care facilities out of business. Andrew Ashby, Mercy Iowa City’s medical director, told the council members that if the UIHC building gets the go-ahead, “Mercy won’t make it.” He said the vote on the application is an issue of whether community-based medicine would be allowed to survive.
UIHC officials say their current Iowa City hospital is too full, and wants more beds, operating room space and emergency department facilities. They add that medical centers from all over the state refer their cases to the UIHC which puts added strain on their current facility.
The board voted 3-2 to reject the application. The UIHC has options, including appealing the decision or refiling their application. CEO Suresh Gunasekaran told the paper that they will await the written judgement before acting, but they remain “firmly committed to moving forward with the project.”