Rex Healthcare Seeks Community Support in Holly Springs 10/30/2007

Rex Healthcare wants to locate in Holly Springs. Community support could help bring Rex here.

Hospital officials are seeking letters endorsing plans for medical facilities that would include an urgent care center and other services in the first phase. The plans require state approval, and community support could bolster Rex's case that medical facilities are needed here.

Town officials and Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce members have sent letters on behalf of Rex Healthcare. Rex will send in its application to the state Nov. 15, so the hospital hopes to obtain as many letters of support as possible before Friday, Nov. 9. Those received soon afterward will also be sent.

“It's been a great response,” said Bob Ricker, Rex's associate vice president for suburban services. “We've had many chamber members, Town Council members and the community at large who have been very receptive to our overtures.”

Town leaders are excited about Rex's plans for the community.

“Rex's decision to locate health care facilities in Holly Springs is the culmination of several years of work by our Economic Development office,” Town Manager Carl Dean said. “With the growth and the demographics of our community, it's imperative that we be proactive in addressing future health care needs.”

Rex has been seeking between 10 and 40 acres in Holly Springs, Ricker said, adding the proposed location would be specified in the Nov. 15 application to the state.

Phase I plans include services for urgent care, basic radiology, digital mammography, bone density, ultrasound and mobile CT (also called CAT ) scanning. Proposed facilities include a laboratory and approximately 10,000 square feet of space for lease in a one-story medical office building.

With Holly Springs' population at nearly 20,000, the Town has been working hard to ensure adequate health care facilities in the future.

Within the last year, the Town has surveyed residents on medical needs in light of increasing interest from the health care industry about locating in Holly Springs. Respondents foresaw needing services such as pediatrics, lab work, vision, and obstetrics and gynecology. Convenience rated high in importance.

“Rex's decision to locate here is not just a benefit to Holly Springs,” Dean added. “The benefit will be felt throughout southern Wake County and northern Harnett County.”

The state tries to control healthcare costs by prohibiting unnecessary duplication of medical facilities and equipment. Examples include hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic clinics, outpatient surgical centers, and heart catheterization equipment. Under most circumstances, new medical services must obtain a certificate of need from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Ricker estimated the state's review would take about three months.

“We would start the development process soon after we hear,” he said, adding it was too soon to known when construction might start.

Letters supporting Rex's plans for Holly Springs should be addressed to David Strong, Office of the President, Rex Hospital, 4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, N.C. 27607.

For more information, contact Gloria Lopez, Rex's community relations coordinator, at (919) 784-4520.

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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us