Renovations Of Cookeville Regional 4 West/5 West Take Next Step

Cookeville Regional’s Finance Committee approved a letter of agreement to move forward with renovations of the medical center’s 4 West and 5 West facilities.

Interim CEO Buffy Key said the $16.4 million project would include a six-unit dialysis center. It would also increase the hospital’s capacity to 309 beds.

Board Member Danny Rader said the additional 40 beds would help.

“This is something that we’ve discussed several times before,” Rader said. “It’s something that I think is desperately needed, obviously is a large amount of money. And we’re making a long-term commitment, but we are doing this over three years, and the money will be spread out.”

Key said the project would take some of the pressure off the emergency room facilities which have faced over-crowding issues over the last year. One committee member called it a short-term solution until the hospital can address long-term expansion.

“That would be our hopeful next step,” Key said.

The 36-month minimum project will be paid for via cash flow. The Dialysis Unit will be constructed in 5 West. The additional beds will be added in 4 West. The project cost includes $75,000 in pre-construction expenditures.

Committee members expressed concerns about protections in the agreement against cost overruns and completion date delays. Hospital officials and the board attorney said they could look into provisions as they begin to review the contract.

The full board of trustees will vote on the agreement Thursday. The final contract will be evaluated in the next 30 days. Turner Construction Company will complete the renovations.