SANTA PAULA: Receives Funding For New Hospital
"Calling improved medical services in the rural town a top priority, Fillmore Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday endorsed financial assistance for a full-service medical center," the Ventura County Star reports. Santa Paula Memorial Hospital received a $120,000 loan and grant package from the City Council. The hospital will renovate a bank into a new medical facility that will "include a Rural Health Center, private medical suites, an X-ray unit and the city's only medical laboratory with blood drawing services." The new facility is scheduled to open in late summer. In addition, a pharmacy is scheduled to open in the fall. "Without the city's support, the cost of renovation is frankly beyond our means to achieve," said hospital president William Greene. Under the terms of the deal, the hospital will receive "a $100,000 loan at six percent interest, due in 10 years." However, if the medical facility is still open in 10 years and continues to provide full services, "the loan will be forgiven." The hospital also "received a $20,000 grant for exterior renovations." Councilman Scott Lee said, "This is something -- especially the pharmacy -- that we need in this town." There is currently only one pharmacy (Rite-Aid) open in the area. Several community members "complained about the store's service and professionalism" (Eastlake, 1/30).
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