By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
GREAT BEND — The Barton County Commission threw their support Wednesday behind the construction of a new hospital in Ellinwood. Kile Magner, the hospital's chief executive officer, told the Commission that the hospital is seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a loan that will be supported by revenue bonds.
Magner asked the Commissioners to sign a letter of support for the project. He described some of the reasons why Ellinwood needs a new hospital.
“We’re landlocked; we can’t expand or add services,” Magner commented. “And even if we wanted to, to renovate a 76-year-old building is going to cost nearly as much as a replacement project.”
The new hospital will be located on the corner of U.S. Highway 56 and Park Avenue on the southwest side of the town. Wagner said a new building would have room for a surgery department and an outpatient clinic that could bring in outside specialists.
All five commissioners agreed to send a letter of support. Commissioner Jennifer Schartz explained her vote.
“We are really fortunate to have such good health care in Barton County,” Schartz said. “We have choices here that many areas don’t. I’ve used all three of the hospitals here in Barton County, and I can confirm that all of them give really, really good care. This change in Ellinwood can only make our healthcare stronger in Barton County, so I’m very much in favor of supporting them with a letter.”
According to Magner, groundbreaking for the new hospital could take place as early as this fall.