Hunter
02/25/21
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics administrators say they will continue to push for a new North Liberty hospital despite being thwarted in their first effort for approval from the state.
The Daily Iowan reports that during an hour-long presentation before the State Board of Regents, Vice President for Medical Affairs Brooks Jackson said the University of Iowa is still pursing the project. He called the State Health Council’s narrow 3-2 vote against the facility disappointing, but not unexpected.
The application was for a $230 million four-story facility which would include up to 36 inpatient rooms, up to 16 operating rooms, and an ER. It has been opposed by private health care givers like Mercy Iowa City and Unity Point Health, who believe such a facility could spell the eventual end of their business.
UIHC CEO Suresh Gunasekaran has said that the current Iowa City hospital is near capacity and staff is overworked. He says a new facility would allow the UIHC to accept more referrals from other hospitals in the state and continue to provide high quality patient care.