Wheeless offers a ‘final update’ on new Baptist Hospital

Wheeless offers a ‘final update’ on new Baptist Hospital

Baptist- Crittenden set for December grand opening

ralphhardin@gmail.com Crittenden County residents who have kept a watchful eye on the patch of land where 7th Street meets the I-40 Service Road may have already noticed, but a decidedly hospital- shaped building has formed there and Crittenden County Judge Woody Wheeless couldn’t be happier.

“A journey that began back in August of 2014 has become reality today,” said Wheeless. “Construction of the hospital is complete.”

For Wheeless and the rest of the county, doing without a hospital has been a time of anxiousness and worry, but the new Baptist Memorial Hospital is opening soon.

Wheeless took the opportunity to reflect on everything that has transpired over the last four years.

“Crittenden Regional Hospital closed its doors back in August of 2014 and over 400 employees were without a job,” Wheeless recalled. “The community was shocked because just two months prior, a 1-percent tax was passed to help get the hospital out of debt. In December of 2014, voters went back to the polls to eliminate the tax since it was no longer needed because of the closure of CRH.”

Once Crittenden Regional shuttered its doors, the quest to bring a full-service hospital back to the county began.

“During the process, the county continued to search for someone to re-open the hospital,” explained Wheeless. “The county began negotiating with Ameris Health out of Nashville. Although they weren’t the best fit for out county — because they manage hospitals until they can get them back on their own feet — they were the only ones willing to give it a try at the time.”

It was not the deal county leaders wanted but it was what was on the table.

“We held town hall meetings to inform the public of the potential deal with Ameris,” Wheeless said.

“Part of the deal was to put the 1-percent tax back in place, so we went back to the voters and they responded by passing the tax by 86 percent (of the vote).

The deal with Ameris fell through after the tax was passed which wound up being a blessing for the county. Before the tax collection actually began, the county was able to strike a deal with the Baptist Hospital System out of Memphis.”

It then got a little tricky.

“Because the tax was passed to help maintain the old hospital, another vote had to take place asking the public to allow the tax be used for a different purpose,” explained Wheeless. “Once again, the public responded and didn’t hesitate to vote ‘yes’ to build a new hospital.”

A groundbreaking ceremony took place and then in 2017 dirt work began.

“I’ve had the opportunity to over see this project and the experience has been wonderful,” said Wheeless. “Flintco Construction was chosen to manage the project and Cole Butcher and his crew have done a great job. The CEO of the new Baptist Memorial-Crittenden, Brian Welton, has played a vital role in the project as well. I look forward to continue working with Brian and his staff once the hospital officially opens.”

Looking back and looking ahead, Wheeless said, “I want to say that the journey wasn’t always easy but it was worth it. Citizens will have quality emergency healthcare available plus many other services once again. Thank you Crittenden County for having faith with what was being proposed and knowing how important healthcare is to our county. Without you this project would have never happened. This is by far the biggest highlight for me during the 6 years I’ve been County Judge. I’m proud to say the project stayed within budget from start to finish. That’s a major accomplishment.”

Baptist crews are hard at work this week.

“Moving in has begun,” said Wheeless. “They are continuing to hire people to fill positions. Moving, hiring and training will continue until December. If we continue to stay on schedule, the hospital will open for business on Dec. 3, 2018.”

By Ralph Hardin