Physicians move ahead on new Kearney hospital

KEARNEY, Neb. — As a group of physicians moves forward with plans to open a second Kearney hospital by next year, many are wondering — is the timeline realistic?

Although it’s unknown how long construction will take, hospital investors have a lot of red tape to cut through in order to open a hospital by 2010. They have begun by meeting with the city Development Review Team.

Twenty to 70 doctors are planning to build Kearney Regional Medical Center on a 78-acre tract in southwest Kearney.

The physicians practice at Good Samaritan Hospital but want to open their own hospital because they have grown frustrated with Good Samaritan’s management.

The size of the new facility and its services have not been announced, but the doctors have said the hospital will cost around $20 million. They are looking at property west of Yanney Heritage Park. The hospital could employ as many as 100 people.

City Manager Mike Morgan said the site the physicians are looking at is not in the city limits and doesn’t have water and sewer lines.

The site would have to be annexed, rezoned and platted, he said.

Physicians’ concerns with Good Samaritan include finding a way to pay physicians while they’re on call, improving surgical services, working with cardiologists on a shared vision of cardiovascular services and obtaining capital for building and technology investments at Good Samaritan.

After the physician investor group announced its plans, Good Samaritan officials announced a $65 million expansion and technology investment in more private patient rooms, new operating rooms and enhanced cardiology facilities.

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