Cautiously optimistic

A much needed hospital may be coming back to Kennett.

I use the word ‘may’, because this venture is still in the early stages of development.

According to the press conference on Thursday, it would appear all systems are go, however there are still some hurdles to jump.

As I stood in front of the emergency room entrance at the old TRRMC site I found myself excited and caught up in the moment, in the possibility of a new hospital.

However, when I got back to the office and began listening to the interviews and reading the press release, I found myself drifting back to the reality of the situation.

The Billionaires Funding Group has the building and they have picked up the mantle of bringing a hospital back to Kennett.

I am sure the entire community, upon hearing this announcement, was filled with excitement and anticipation.

However, just as in business, we as a community need to do our due diligence and look at all the principal players, and make a decision on facts and not get caught up in the moment.

Everyone I spoke to stated they were determined to see this through and bring the hospital back.

I hope so.

Along with the Billionaire Funding Group we have the Healthcare Task Force searching for healthcare options for the city.

Their consultant, Steve Clapp has reached out to approximately 19 different healthcare companies, of which the Billionaires Funding Group is one, requesting proposals for interest in bringing a hospital back to Kennett.

In the wake of the recent announcement from the Billionaires Funding Group, Clapp will continue to receive proposals from other companies who would be interested in re-developing healthcare in Kennett.

I encourage that.

With ventures like this there are a lot of “ifs” and I believe in having a plan B and a plan C, and I believe most would agree.

It all sounds good.

A 49-bed acute care hospital and emergency room would indeed be a major plus for the area both medically and economically, but let’s be sure and do our due diligence.

The Billionaires Funding Group might very well get this hospital back up and running.

Will I support the effort?

Absolutely.

But I would be remiss if I didn’t continue to investigate and report on the ongoing project and I have been invited to do so.

I will be reaching out to the local medical community to hear their thoughts on the matter and I invite feedback from all of you in the community and the area.

One thing is certain. There is definitely an ongoing current effort to bring a hospital back to the area and that’s a good thing.

I remain cautiously optimistic.

See you out there.