NorthwestJuly 22, 2000

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

PULLMAN -- Discussions between Pullman Memorial Hospital and Gritman Medical Center in Moscow on building a new hospital are beyond resuscitation.

During a meeting with the Pullman City Council Tuesday, PMH board members announced that idea is "just about dead."

Hospital Board President Bob Wilson told the council Gritman officials refuse to consider or discuss the idea of building and sharing a new medical center along State Route 270.

"At this point, Gritman is not a player at all," Wilson said. "We've felt we've walked the second and third extra miles to get Gritman to discuss the issue and unless (Gritman officials) were to come forth and say we're ready to have the meeting, there's nothing significant we will be doing together for a long time, if ever."

Pullman Mayor Mitch Chandler said hearing that Gritman has chosen not to be part of the deal is "not a surprise to me at all."

"I am totally committed to PMH having a full-service hospital," Chandler added.

But with Gritman as a partner, PMH has been unable to construct the proposed $16 million surgery center in the corridor.

Within the past two years the hospital has placed bond elections before voters to fund a new hospital.

Both times the bonds failed to receive the 60 percent voter approval needed.

With Gritman out of the picture, Wilson said PMH commissioners are weighing options on whether to build a new facility at all.

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Wilson said four options are being considered.

One is to do nothing, remain at the same location on the Washington State University campus and operate as efficiently as possible. The second is to do some minor remodeling to the hospital.

"That option is quite possible," Wilson noted.

The third would be to do major renovations to the hospital.

Wilson said area surgeons want a surgery center, but do not want it built along Bishop Boulevard. They want it in the area of the corridor.

Wilson said he would not be surprised if surgeons teamed up, raised money and built their own ambulatory surgery center.

City Councilman Barney Waldrop said he is confident the board will make the right choices. He also stressed that the board not discount the possibility a levy could be passed by voters.

"There's still a possibility that this community will support a new hospital," Waldrop said.

"I think Pullman needs a modernized medical facility. We have a marvelous medical community and they deserve to have the necessary hospital infrastructure to support the community they serve."

Wilson said the board may consider the idea, but added, "I'd be thrilled to death if Gritman called and said 'Let's have that meeting,' but it's not going to happen."

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