Site of proposed Poplar Bluff hospital moved

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center has announced plans to relocate the future home of its new 250-bed hospital, but will have to wait to see if the new site meets state approval.

The original hospital plan was approved by the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee in May. At a hearing Monday the state's Health Facilities Review Committee vote 4-1 to put off a decision on the new site until September.

Located in the Eight Points development district, the new site selected by hospital officials is positioned on the south side of Oak Grove Road, according to a news release issued by the hospital Friday afternoon.

In cooperation with the Missouri Department of Transportation, more than $20 million in infrastructure improvements will be realized and result in the widening of Oak Grove Road, the creation of a new interchange at Bypass 67 and a new intersection at Business 67 and Oak Grove Road.

"Eight Points offers a great opportunity for this community, and the commitment by PBRMC helps to jump-start the development and attract retail interests," said Steve Halter, Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce president. "From a business perspective, it's the best thing that could happen for the community."

According to K2 Commercial Group, Eight Points is designed to attract a combination of medical, professional, retail and entertainment business. The development project is expected to create over 1,400 new jobs as well as additional property and sales tax revenue to the city, county and school district.

The previous building site for the $170 million hospital project, one of the single largest corporate investments in Poplar Bluff's history, was located on Route PP. According to a hospital executive, a family cemetery located on the initial building site and the desire to protect its heritage played a factor in the decision to relocate the site for the new hospital.

The new 425,000 square foot hospital will more than double the size of PBRMC's current north campus and will feature private rooms with space for family and friends to stay at the patient's bedside and new health services such as neurosurgery.

Health services to be expanded include emergency room and cardiac care. There will be enhanced technology and upgraded medical equipment.

Further information about the new hospital can be found at www.careforpoplarbluff.com.

Pertinent address:

Oak Grove Road, Poplar Bluff, MO