Today, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare took another step forward in its quest to build a hospital in Olive Branch, Miss. The staff of the Mississippi State Department of Health made public its analysis and recommendation in favor of Methodist’s Certificate of Need (CON) application to build a hospital in Olive Branch, Miss.

“Clearly, the Staff of the Mississippi State Department of Health agreed that our application to build a new hospital in Olive Branch was complete and the criteria they set forth in the State health plan were met,” said David Baytos, senior vice president of Mississippi and International Healthcare Services. “We hope that this recommendation that our CON be granted will send a clear signal to all that a hospital is needed so that we can move forward with this most important initiative for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.”

Methodist sites historical and continuing population growth in Olive Branch and DeSoto County as a key reason for the need for the hospital.

“Growth in Desoto County is among the highest in the country,” said Baytos.

Baytos said many citizens of Olive Branch and DeSoto County leave the city/county/state to obtain healthcare elsewhere. Methodist already serves approximately 47,000 Mississippi residents who have to travel to Shelby County to receive health services.

Methodist is already present in Olive Branch at the Carvel Imaging Centers it now owns and operates, as well as the Minor Medical Center on Goodman Road. The facility that opened in 2008, includes urgent care, minor medical services and a sleep center.

If there is no opposition to this recommendation, Methodist’s CON will be considered by the State Health Officer at the next scheduled CON meeting of the Mississippi Department of Health.