In a meeting that lasted the better part of three hours last Thursday, the Russell County Hospital Board continued to progress toward a major expansion of the hospital complex.

It was reported that a financial feasibility study would support the expansion, assuming a forecast of three percent to four percent increase a year in charges from 2012 through 2015.

Under the feasibility study operating income would remain positive except for a small loss for the year in which the building of the new structure would take place.

The study assumed a $21 million loan which factors in to the $22.5 million total project cost, with the hospital adding about $1.4 million.

Of the estimated $1.1 million that would be due every year on the project, it’s estimated that about $756,000 would be received via cost reimbursement through Medicare.

Discussion on the possible expansion lasted well over an hour and incorporated many aspects of the project beyond the construction itself.

A brief breakdown of how funds will be utilized include (rounded and approximated): $11 million new construction; $1.3 million site preparation; $1.6 million renovation of nearly 18,000 sq. ft. existing space, $500,000 in refurbishing 12,000 sq. ft. of hall and patient rooms; $1.6 million in new medical equipment; $1.3 million owner furnished; a little under $900,000 in professional fees/surveying/testing; and $3 million in debt service.

The 38 year loan would cost just under $1.1 million a year, with nearly three quarters of that being paid for through government programs the hospital is eligible for through being a “Critical Access Hospital,” a designation for rural hospitals in impoverished areas that meet certain criteria.

The hospital will be responsible for $380,000 a year to pay on the expansion loan.

“Presently we’ve been paying down our debt at about $24,000 a month, and we’ve also been putting away in savings about $17,000 a month,” said David Rasmussen, CEO of Russell County Hospital, “and that works out to be $492,000 on an annual basis…We’re still ahead by about $111,000.”

Board Chair Chris McQueary said he had been questioned about what indicates that the new facility would necessarily mean increased business for the hospital, justifying the expense of expansion.

Rasmussen said there were a couple of factors; the newer facility would draw more volume, particularly in surgery and that a new and bigger facility does influence a potential patient’s decision on being treated there.

Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Specialist Doctor Jerry Westerfield and Surgeon Arthur Canos, along with other hospital personnel expressed that a newer, better equipped facility would be a much greater draw for new physicians, a problem the hospital at times has labored under.

Beyond a few questions of assurance of the long term feasibility of the expansion there was little that could be considered as opposition to the plan. ************************

A Russell County man was arrested early last Saturday morning in Lebanon and charged with first degree assault, according to Kentucky State Police.

Frankie McGowan, 32, was taken into custody around 12:20 a.m. by Trooper Josh Dicken following a traffic stop on the Lebanon Bypass south of Lebanon in Marion County.

Dicken suspected that the operator of the red four-door Ford was under the influence, thus making the stop. The vehicle was being driven by Tiffany Bruflat, also of Russell Springs.

As Trooper Dicken was administering field sobriety tests, he noticed that the four other passengers in the vehicle had become agitated and extremely loud, according to the KSP report. When Dicken approached the car he was advised by a female passenger that McGowan had stabbed 28-year-old Charles Bruflat in the side.

Dicken removed Bluflat from the car, verified the injury and notified EMS. He then removed McGowan from the car, secured a small Case knife and arrested him.

Bruflat was transported to Springview Medical Hospital in Lebanon where he was treated and released. McGowan was lodged in Marion County Detention Center and Tiffany Bruflat was lodged by the Lebanon Police Department for driving under the influence.

The two other passengers, 28-year-old Michael Hadley of Jamestown and 33-year-old Kendra Dalton of Somerset, were charged by local officers with alcohol intoxication and also lodged in Marion County Detention Center.

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A Russell Springs woman is facing felony charges for allegedly burglarizing and stealing from a relative’s home on Boat Dock Rd. in Jamestown, according to Sgt. Jeff Kerns of the Jamestown Police Department.

Stephanie Grant, 23, was arrested a week ago Saturday by Kerns on second degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking over $500 and theft of controlled substances charges.

According to police, she is accused of breaking into June Johnson’s Jamestown home a week ago Friday afternoon.

Kerns said that jewelry and prescription medication was stolen from the home. The investigation continues by Sgt. Kerns as well as Russell Springs Police Officer Nathan Bradshaw.

Grant was lodged in Russell County Detention Center.