RSS Feed
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Jackson considering possibility of new hospital During a work session, Tuesday, Aug. 21, members of the Jackson City Council discussed the city's options concerning the location of a new, larger, state-of-the-art hospital in or near Jackson. The meeting was attended by Tom Bolton, the contractor who completed the expansion work at New Era Cap Company and Ralph Hobbs, president of Hobbs & Hain P.C., who specializes in the acquisitions and mergers of hospitals. "When the location of ThyssenKrupp down the road was made, I knew the significance of it," said Bolton, whose company did work on the Hyundai plant near Montgomery. "Many people don't understand what impact this will have on this area. This is the equivalent of five Hyundais. If you choose to take advantage of it, it can mean a great deal for Jackson." Bolton pointed out 10 things he believes need to happen for Jackson to take advantage of the full potential of ThyssenKrupp, with the centerpiece being the announcement and construction of a new state-of-the-art hospital. The other items he mentioned included: *Development of industrial sites along U.S. Highway 43 *Lodging - with the location of new hotels *Food service - new dine-in type restaurants *Housing - the need for at least three new subdivisions *Retail - more shopping choices for the expected influx of people *Recreation - the planning of hunting and fishing trips for company officials from potential businesses and industries looking to do business in or locate to Jackson *Destination attraction "Without quality health care, you are limited as to how much growth you will see," added Bolton. Hobbs, who has been involved in at least six major acquisitions and purchases of hospitals, agreed with Bolton's assessment. "The key cornerstone for a plan for this community is a state-of-the-art medical facility," he said. "ThyssenKrupp has brought the opportunity of change to you. It is important to attract their interest to Jackson at this stage." Hobbs offered his services in contacting companies that may be interested in either purchasing Jackson Medical Center or investing in the construction of a new hospital in the Jackson area. He went on to explain that his work is not a feasibility study, but an actual search for investors. Mayor Richard Long told the council members in attendance, "I think it is important to see if there is a way we can do this." Councilman Eddie Huggins asked about including Grove Hill Memorial Hospital by giving them the opportunity to look at the possibility of a regional facility between the two towns. Hobbs said he would talk with Grove Hill Mayor Lamar Hudson about such a possibility.
The decision whether or not to approve a contract with Hobbs for his services will be made at the next regular council meeting Aug. 28.
|
for larger version       |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
