The founder and president of Morthland College in West Frankfort, Ill., wants to build a $40 million hospital in Benton, The Southern Illinoisan reported.
President Tim Morthland, MD, PhD, cited the city's fragmented healthcare system and Franklin County Hospital's inability to confront healthcare needs as catalysts for the decision.
The facility would house 25 to 40 beds, an emergency room and a surgical center, according to The Southern Illinoisan. Construction of the proposed 10-acre facility near Benton's airport off Interstate 57 is budgeted between $30 million and $40 million.
Dr. Morthland projects the hospital would create approximately 550 jobs — 250 to 300 in construction and 250 in healthcare delivery. Morthland College Health Services, an affiliate of the college, has been culminating physicians, mid-levels and specialists, The Southern Illinoisan reported.
Dr. Morthland hopes to break ground in fall 2017 with construction lasting three to four years.
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