Medical facilities undergoing changes

ISSUE: Fort Knox, HMH announcements
OUR VIEW: State of flux means opportunities

Two announcements this week provided some detail and insight into the future of the area’s most significant health care providers.

At Fort Knox, a new facility that eventually could replace Ireland Army Community Hospital will be welcomed. But the structure will not provide all the same services. Just as the post’s mission has changed and evolved, Fort Knox’s medical offerings are expected to shift toward a state-of-the-art, multi-service clinic, rather than a freestanding acute care hospital.

Col. Bruce Jenkins, garrison commander, described a two-phase multi-year development that eventually could include an inpatient tower. Final plans may shift as planning progresses and use of the initial outpatient center is evaluated.

Meanwhile at Hardin Memorial Hospital, the community’s development and growth plus changing client expectations will lead to a multi-million dollar investment that will require new construction.

Hardin Memorial’s master facilities plan approved Tuesday is an extension of the hospital’s strategic plan and responds to definite patient expectations. It calls for an increase from 93 to 196 private suites, renovation of the emergency department and relocation of the cancer center from the basement to an off-site location.

It’s easy to understand the excitement expressed by HMH President and CEO Dennis Johnson when he said, “This is one of, if not the, most exciting days in the life of our hospital.”

Whether it’s federal intervention, insurance overhauls or research discoveries, the state of health care in America always seems to be in flux. And that change brings about opportunity.

The first opportunity from this week’s announcements are economic. Engineers and architects, contractors and builders, craftsmen and laborers all have new economic opportunities thanks to the potential $300 to $500 million investment at Fort Knox and HMH’s proposed construction projects.

Another opportunity develops for skilled doctors and nurses who will staff the facilities, provide services and establish offices in the community.

It also should be noted Fort Knox’s new facilities likely will cease to provide some features available at Ireland. Those patients will go somewhere. That equals potential new clients for Hardin Memorial or could provide a window of opportunity for a Louisville-based provider.

For those of us who struggle annually with the complexities of filling out insurance enrollment documentation, anticipating the future is beyond reach.

What’s clear is change brings opportunity. Our history tells us Hardin County embraces opportunity and more often than not will make the most of it.

It’s how we grow.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise's editorial board.