Report finds flaws in U of Chicago Medicine's expansion

CHICAGO (AP) - A new report says University of Chicago Medicine is asking for too much in its $269 million expansion proposal.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board will consider its staff report as it reviews the hospital's proposal at a meeting May 10. The proposal includes an adult trauma center.

Released Tuesday, the report says project costs are too high by $18 million. University of Chicago estimated construction costs at $618 per square foot, exceeding the state's standard. The report also says the hospital needs fewer beds than it is requesting.

The nine-member review board's role is to prevent duplication of health care services.

University of Chicago Medical Center President Sharon O'Keefe tells Crain's Chicago Business (http://bit.ly/1SNwX0P) the "board will see the merits" of the proposal.

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The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board: http://1.usa.gov/1NxJrHH

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Information from: CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS.