County board backs another new hospital

Another proposed hospital has received the backing of the McHenry County Board.

Board members approved a resolution Tuesday commending Wisconsin-based Mercy Health System for its plan to build a 128-bed facility in Crystal Lake.

The county board approved a similar resolution two weeks ago for Centegra Health System, which plans to build a hospital in nearby Huntley.

Mercy Health System submitted an application for a Certificate of Need with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board in December.

The $200 million project would include a large multi-specialty physician clinic and hospital in Crystal Lake at Route 31 and Three Oaks Road. The facility, if approved, will be named the Mercy Crystal Lake Hospital and Medical Center.

The recommendation is part of the process for hospitals to attain the certificate, which is needed before construction or expansion can commence.

The vote Tuesday was not without debate. Some board members argued that Centegra, which is the largest provider of health care in McHenry County, deserves “home field advantage” over Mercy Health System’s plan.

“We have to pick a home team here,” said Barb Wheeler, a Republican from Crystal Lake. “(Centegra) has been the number one employer in McHenry for years and they have gone through and found the best location for a hospital. There really is no need for two hospitals.”

Others, however, said the county board should not be choosing sides.

“We should let the Illinois health facilities board decide the dispute,” said board member John Hammerand, a Republican from Wonder Lake. “None of us is qualified to decide where a hospital should be located.”

The Mercy Crystal Lake Hospital and Medical Center is expected to create about 800 construction jobs over two years. Once completed, the hospital is projected to create another 600 full-time positions and bring in revenues of $102.78 million in the first year and $257.5 million five years later.

A public hearing on the Mercy proposal is set for 10 a.m. Friday, March 18, at Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 Woodstock St.

The state review board is tentatively set to render a decision on both proposals on May 10.