Chase County Community Hospital board members took a bold step when they voted unanimously to pursue building a new hospital versus remodeling and adding on to the existing facility. We believe they made the right decision.
    For a number of years, discussions have been going on about what direction the facility should take. In fact, in September 2012, the board voted 4-1 to pursue a $13 million renovation and expansion project.
    Shortly thereafter, the board made a change in the leadership at the hospital followed by a board vote to do a further review of the project. That essentially put the project on hold.
    An interim administrator restarted the planning process which was picked up by present CEO Steve Lewis.
    The hospital board did it right­­—the decision rendered April 27 was by no means a snap decision.
 

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