Erlanger Medical Center has decided to build a more ambitious expansion at the East Campus on Gunbarrel Road - and the pricetag is now at over $63 million.
Erlanger officials said opportunities are great in the rapidly growing area, and they decided on a larger project even though it will require getting a new Certificate of Need.
The expansion, including a 571-vehicle parking garage, will go between Women's East and Erlanger East.
The Board of Trustees is setting aside $20 million for the project to go with a $50 million bond issue.
Erlanger currently has 28 beds on Gunbarrel Road, but said there is a need for at least 79 beds.
Jim Brexler, new Erlanger CEO, said hospitals often build new facilities, then seek doctors to practice there. He said in this case, the physicians are already present and they are seeking a nearby hospital to work in.
The area surrounding Gunbarrel Road has a projected growth rate of 6.5 percent. The highest growth service is the 45-64 age grup tending toward much higher rates of surgical and procedural services.
Officials said, "Thus, the new facility will incorporate services beyond the existing Women's and related surgical services, as well as expansion of these existing services."
It was stated, "Demographic trends strongly suggest augmenting the current women's services and general services offered on the campus along with cardiac, general medicine and orthopaedics.