[Lexington] Panel recommends new VA hospital in Lexington

[seicer]

Panel recommends new VA hospital in Lexington

There are two campuses, one on Cooper Drive at UK and the other on Leestown Road (US 421). The Leestown is very old and historic, while the Cooper Drive location is larger but hideous. There were plans to consolidate the Leestown into Cooper but there is a lack of building space at that site.

Article information: "Panel recommends new VA hospital in Lexington, By Barbara Isaacs, Herald-Leader [Lexington], February 1, 2007."

[seicer]

VA approves Leestown updates

Notes --

1. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will construct a 60-bed nursing home, an outpatient building, and a 30-bed domiciliary to replace its existing Leestown Road campus. The decision was announced on May 30.

2. Most of the campus was constructed between 1930 and 1950 and have exceeded their useful life for clinical and support functions. The new footprint will reduce vacant and underused space on the campus.

3. A local advisory panel had recommended the new plan in February after hosting a series of meetings -- a process that was part of the VA's national Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services initiative

4. Construction of the new $86 million facility could begin in 2009 and be finished in 2018 -- depending on funding. It would offer larger patient rooms, private nursing home rooms, private bathrooms in all patient rooms, wider hallways and entryways, additional treatment and therapy services, and more parking. It will be located on the mostly vacant southeastern portion of the 135-acre campus. The remaining 74-acres will be redeveloped through partnerships with the private sector.

Article information: "VA approves Leestown updates, By Karla Ward, Herald-Leader [Lexington], May 31, 2007"