After analysis and study of the replacement hospital, and in consideration of the strategic plan adopted by IU Health Bloomington Hospital Board of Directors, IU Health has determined it’s not feasible to construct a replacement hospital at the current location, according to a press release.
IU Health will continue to review recommendations on ?construction of a new hospital.
In January 2014, IU Health Bloomington purchased 85 acres on the west side of the city, about 2.35 miles from the current hospital’s location, for $8,107,950. It announced in December that a new hospital would be built either at the current site — 601 W. Second Street — or on that land, located near North Curry Pike and State Road 46.
The future of Bloomington’s primary health care facility is a heated topic. A few of this spring primary’s mayoral candidates have announced their commitment to keeping the hospital at its current site.
One of three Democratic candidates, John Hamilton, called on IU Health and Bloomington Hospital to delay the decision until public comment is heard Friday.
Hamilton called for the creation of the working group a few weeks ago.
Former Mayors Tomi Allison and John Fernandez agreed to serve with others in the working group to address the future of Bloomington Hospital, according to Hamilton’s press release. Fernandez and Allison stressed the importance of working to keep Bloomington Hospital downtown.
“This decision is crucial to our city, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and help,” Allison said in a release.
“If the hospital were to leave downtown, the consequences would be serious and far-reaching. The community must not stop until we have meaningful input into that decision,” Hamilton said in the release. “It would be irresponsible of the hospital board to act without it, and it is our job as citizens to demand that the decision fully reflects the wider community’s input and interests.”
If the hospital’s Board of Directors decide the current hospital needs renovations or expansions, its location will likely change. The hospital is located on the corner of Second and Rogers streets, near Bloomington’s downtown.
IU Health is reaching out to Mayor Mark Kruzan to open discussions regarding the creation of a commission to advise on the best reuse and redevelopment of the current site, in the event that funding is approved to build a replacement hospital.
The Indiana Daily Student did not receive press releases with statements regarding IU Health’s announcement from the other three mayoral candidates, John Linnemeier, Darryl Neher and John Turnbull.
Neher, a city council member, is on the Hospital Site Reutilization Steering Committee representing the McDoel Gardens Neighborhood Association.
