Healthcare facility coming to New Kent
Residents of New Kent and Charles City counties won’t have to go very far for medical services in the future.
A certificate of public need for the construction of a Level 2 Trauma Center in New Kent to provide citizens healthcare and additional services was issued on Nov. 23 by the Virginia Health Commissioner.
The move comes as somewhat of a shock since Virginia’s Department of Health recommended denial of the facility in August. But citizens from New Kent and adjacent counties continually lobbied for the facility, eventually garnering approval before a Nov. 30 deadline on the facility.
“We’re excited that the state health department made the right decision,” said New Kent county administrator Rodney Hathaway. “We look forward to working with HCA [HCA Health Services of Virginia] throughout the development of the new facility.”
According to Hathaway, upcoming meetings will be held to determine a timeline and opening for the building. The approximate location, however, is already known, as Bottoms Bridge will be home for the medical facility that will be able to conduct surgeries, x-rays, and other medical procedures. The site off Route 60 (2151 Pocahontas Trail) is currently zoned for a health-care facility and the next step is for HCA to submit site plans.
Also known in the facility’s name: New Kent Emergency Center.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Del. Chris Peace for his hard work and leadership,” said Hathaway. “His outreach and leadership was key in this.
“I also want to thank those who supported the county and the board for this, especially the citizens,” he continued. “This is a major step for not only New Kent, but providing access of quality healthcare to our citizens and neighboring jurisdictions.”
Peace issued a comment Monday evening on his delight for the approval of the facility.
“I commend State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine for her momentous decision approving the HCA New Kent CT/MRI project which should receive a certificate of public need,” said the delegate in a press release. “This valuable investment will improve the quality of life,s park economic growth and job creation, and most importantly save lives.
“This project carries a real world benefit,” Peace continued. “For a county that does not have access to even a Patient First, I could not be happier for the families of New Kent who live in that real world but now have a brighter and safer future for their loved ones.”
In August, District 4 supervisor Ron Stiers commented about the needs and services for county residents.
“It’s badly needed for this county,” commented the supervisor. “Our citizens deserve the type of health care services that this facility can provide.”
A campaign was launched via social media and telephone calls to the state health board. Letters of support and public hearings reciprocated with citizens speaking out on the important issue.
“They [citizens] were heard and I’m glad the state health department listened,” concluded Hathaway.
In his findings, Douglas R. Harris, adjudication officer with the state health department, said, “Regarding the HCA New Kent CT/MRI project, supporting with CT an ambulatory facility serving the areas between Richmond and Williamsburg seems worthy of, not only consideration, but approval due to its positioning to shorten driving times for an increasing number of residents and drivers in the eastern portion of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area.”