Officials outline plans for Owasso's first hospital

We now know more about a multi-million dollar hospital project for Owasso. <br/><br/>Those who worked on the project say Owasso is the largest community in Oklahoma without a hospital. But soon one will

Wednesday, June 9th 2004, 1:26 pm

By: News On 6

We now know more about a multi-million dollar hospital project for Owasso.

Those who worked on the project say Owasso is the largest community in Oklahoma without a hospital. But soon one will be built, providing better access to health care for people from not only Owasso, but also a number of communities.

News on 6 anchor Craig Day reports.

Christopher Park, Haskell Company: "Good afternoon. This is an exciting and historic day for sure. And that is the culmination really of a lot of work from a lot of people." At a Wednesday afternoon news conference, officials with the Haskell Enterprise Group, St John Hospital and the City of Owasso make the formal announcement of a new hospital.

The Owasso Medical Center will be a four story, 50-bed hospital.

Bob Baker, Project Coordinator "They can birth babies, get surgery, get all the basic services they need in the community.â€

The Owasso Medical Center will have 95,000 square feet of space. The company has agreed to buy a 66 acre parcel near Highway 169 and 96th street. "This is just something the community has needed for a long time. I think we're blessed to be able to give it to them. You just don't have to go anywhere for health care. They can stay right at home.â€

The hospital is also expected to draw people from the entire region, especially from communities north of Owasso. City officials say it's another step for the community to become a full service community.

Rickey Hayes, City of Owasso: "It's just another ingredient in what Owasso has seen as our ability to serve this part of the state, with quality retail, residential development and now health care.â€

He says the hospital should open toward the end of next year or in early 2006.