People speak for, against Tennova's proposed West Knoxville hospital

By KAYLA STRAYER
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) – People for and against a new Tennova hospital gave their opinions on Monday night at a meeting to help determine if the project should move forward.

As we’ve reported, the proposed $303 million hospital would be built on Middlebrook Pike in West Knoxville. It would replace Physicians Regional Medical Center, formerly known as Saint Mary’s, which is off Broadway in North Knoxville.

Previous story: Neighbors plan to oppose Tennova’s certificate of need application for West Knoxville hospital

The current hospital was built in the 1930s and it’s been renovated 12 times. Tennova’s CEO Neil Heatherly says it needs to be replaced because it’s too old to keep up with new technology.

People against the project say it would leave North Knoxville without a nearby hospital.

6 News went to the home of Tom McDaniel. He’s a photographer who lives next to the proposed 110 acre site for the new hospital. He moved there about five years ago because it’s surrounded by trees and animals. 

“All these animals are going to die. They’re going to have no place to go,” he said.

He says the peaceful sounds of nature will be replaced with more traffic and emergency vehicles, which will lower his property value.

“I really can’t imagine a worse situated site when it comes to access,” McDaniel said.
 
At Monday’s meeting with state health officials, people against the project also said the area doesn’t need another hospital, but North Knoxville does.

6 News asked Heatherly about the concerns. He says Middlebrook Pike provides a central location to serve people in 15 counties. He also says they will address any traffic problems, and plan to save about 40 of the wooded acres for a walking trail.

“We believe firmly that a hospital is needed. The data supports that. We fully anticipate caring for the same patients in the future that we care for today in the new hospital,” Heatherly said.

If the new hospital is built, McDaniel says he will likely move.

“I will absolutely lose the home that I’ve sought for years.”

There is a petition with more than 700 people against the new hospital. At Monday’s meeting there were about 30 people attending who are for the hospital, including doctors and some West Knoxville residents.

The Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency will vote on whether the hospital is needed or not on Nov. 19. That decision can be appealed by either side.
    

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People speak for, against Tennova's proposed West Knoxville hospital