PUBLIC NOTICEInterested parties can call for a fact-finding public hearing on Starr Regional Medical Center's certificate of need for four additional geropsychiatric rooms. A written request for a hearing can be sent to:Tennessee Health Services and Development AgencyAndrew Jackson Building, 9th Floor502 Deaderick St.Nashville, TN 37243Source: The Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency
Starr Regional Medical Center n Etowah, Tenn.Starr Regional Medical Center officials in Etowah, Tenn., want to add four geropsychiatric beds to the facility's existing in-patient geropsychiatric unit to boost capacity from 10 to 14.
"Over the last year, we've reached some capacity issues primarily having to do with gender-lock on the beds," said Chris Zeringue, chief operating officer at the hospital in eastern McMinn County.
Opposite genders can't be mixed in the same room, and patients are being placed on waiting lists because of the lack of space, Zeringue said.
McMinn County's population is growing along with the demographic of aging regional residents who need the services.
If approved, the $1.28 million expansion would take place over two phases, according to consultant John Wellborn, with Development Support Group in Nashville.
The first phase would include the conversion of two existing rooms for geropsychiatric care, Wellborn said. The second phase -- construction of a four-room addition and remodeling of the two temporarily converted rooms for a return to their former uses -- would come later, he said.
Geropsychiatric facilities help older people and their families deal with problems like depression, anxiety, dementia, decision-making changes, chronic illness, and other behavioral health issues such as grief, loss and family-related matters, according to the American Psychological Association's website.
Wellborn said the Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency will hold a hearing and vote on the hospital's application on July 23 in Nashville. Conversion of the first-phase rooms could begin soon after the hearing, he said.
Anyone who objects to the proposed expansion can ask for a public hearing to be held locally before that decision to voice their concerns, he said.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.