Representatives from both health systems spoke about the proposed plan at a public hearing last week. Both health systems have also submitted plans for new hospitals in Hoke County, according to the report.
FirstHealth’s plan, which was submitted in June, calls for a $30-$35 million facility consisting of eight inpatient beds and one operating room. In August, the health system, along with the Surgery Center of Pinehurst (N.C.) submitted a proposal for the Surgery Center of Hoke, which would include two additional operating rooms and be located on the campus of FirstHealth’s proposed hospital, according to the report.
Cape Fear Valley’s plan calls for a $79 million facility consisting of 41 inpatient beds and two operating rooms, according to the report. Officials from Cape Fear Valley say the addition of the outpatient center is FirstHealth’s attempt to compensate for oversights in its original proposal.
Several local residents also spoke in support of the surgery center at the hearing, according to the report. FirstHealth expects to hear a final decision on its hospital plans by November and on its ASC by January.
Read the Observer’s report about the Hoke County ASC debate.
