Beloit Health System is joining forces with Freeport-based FHN to propose a $21.3 million hospital in Roscoe that opponents say would undercut healthcare facilities in Rockford and Belvidere.
Beloit Health System’s proposal for a 10-bed NorthPointe Neighborhood Hospital was previously recommended for denial by the Illinois Health Facilities Planning & Review Board because of an oversaturation of hospital beds in the region.
FHN would “reallocate” 10 hospital beds from FHN Memorial Hospital to the Roscoe location at 5605 E. Rockton Road as part of a new joint venture with Beloit Health System announced Thursday. They would seek to offer a “broader range of specialist services” by sharing staff, the release said.
“The organizations have jointly submitted a proposal to the Illinois Health and Facilities Board to seek approval for this project, which is designed to enhance healthcare delivery while allowing both hospitals to remain independent,” a news release said. “The proposed hospital, called NorthPointe Neighborhood Hospital, would serve as a community-focused healthcare hub, helping to keep patients in their local area and providing essential services closer to home.”
An Health Facilities Board analysis found that there are 507 authorized medical-surgical beds in the region’s Hospital Planning Area. But the analysis found that 5-year average medical-surgical patient days only justify 420 beds at the target 90% occupancy.
A public hearing is scheduled at 2 p.m. July 15 at the Roscoe Township Community Center, 4562 Hononegah Road, in Roscoe.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara opposed placing a hospital in Roscoe in a letter dated Sept. 17, 2024. He argued that Rockford alone has three trauma centers and advanced care available, all of which are easily accessible by residents of the Roscoe area.
“While the project may seem beneficial at first glance, this is an unnecessary project that specifically targets the patients and health care resources in northern Illinois, including Rockford,” McNamara wrote. “If approved, it will ultimately result in significant negative consequences for our community’s health care systems and the overall health care market in Illinois.”
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: FHN teams with Beloit Health to push for new Roscoe hospital
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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