The Russell County Hospital Board of Directors has unanimously approved a proposal that would expand the hospital’s reach into neighboring Adair County.
During Tuesday afternoon’s regular monthly meeting, Hospital CEO Scott Thompson presented a recommendation to lease an approximate 9,000 square foot facility in Columbia that would allow Russell County Hospital to provide services already offered in Russell County but currently unavailable in Columbia and Adair County.
Thompson told the board he was recently contacted by the building’s owner about the possibility of leasing the facility. After evaluating the opportunity, inspecting the building and property, and confirming the expansion would qualify under Rural Health Clinic guidelines and reimbursement rates, Thompson said he believed the project made good sense.
Board member Steven Fletcher also toured the facility and told fellow board members the building would require only minor cosmetic improvements. Fletcher said the proposed lease, totaling $100,000 or less over a three-year period, represented a strong value for the hospital.
Speaking with WJRS NEWS following the meeting, Thompson emphasized the hospital is not looking to duplicate services currently being provided in Columbia and Adair County. Instead, he said the goal is to offer medical services that are not currently available in the area, improving access to care for patients.
Thompson said work will begin immediately on determining which services will be offered and developing staffing and operational plans. If those details come together as expected, he believes Russell County Hospital could begin providing services at the Columbia facility as early as November.
Following discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve Thompson’s recommendation.
