A small community hospital is planning millions of dollars in improvements while vowing to remain an independent facility. While other health networks are consolidating, Roane General Hospital announced a major $5.4 million renovation Monday. Federal dollars will provide a $3 million dollar loan and a $1 million grant to replace a 50-year-old air conditioning system, build a new nurses’ station, add fiber connections for telemedicine and cover flooring, celling and electrical work.
Roane General CEO Doug Bentz said only a handful of independent hospitals remain in West Virginia. Eyewitness News said the improvements will take an estimated 18-to-24 months to complete. Roane General has become the largest private employer in Roane County with 325 employees since opening in 1970.