New Columbia hospital project will not move forward

On Monday, the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee said “no” to a new multi-million dollar hospital in Columbia, meaning the project will not move forward.

It would have been a partnership between MU Health Care and Fulton Medical Center.

Many people spoke out at the Capitol at a committee hearing.

The room was standing room only as those for and against the new hospital gave testimony in front of the panel.

The committee had to decide if Columbia needs a new hospital through what is called a certificate of need application.

At stake was an almost $40 million health care facility that would have been built near Highway 63 at Grindstone Pkwy.

MU Health Care said its current hospital is running at capacity, and a new facility would help ease some of the stress.

However, Boone Hospital Center has been a vocal opponent to the new facility, saying its a threat to the viability of the hospital.

“To come into the market and cherry pick the most profitable services from our two hospitals threatens any hope of future collaboration. Speaking as a business leader, we’re looking for ways to bring our hospitals together, not for ways to drive them apart,” said Fred Parry, who is on the Boone Hospital Board of Trustees.

The committee did end up denying the application in a 5 to 2 vote, meaning a new facility will not happen for the time being.

In a statement, MU Health Care said it respects the certificate of need process and will continue to find new ways to serve its growing patient population.