Much-needed federal funds will renovate and expand emergency department
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced today that $400,000 in federal funding for Bisbee’s Copper Queen Community Hospital was approved by the House of Representatives.
“Copper Queen Community Hospital is a critical provider of quality health care in rural Southeastern Arizona,” said Giffords. “These funds will expand emergency room capacity, improve patient services and help meet the growing needs of Cochise County.”
The funding approved today will be used to renovate and expand the hospital’s emergency department. The design for the facility is ready and this high priority project can be completed in one year. Construction will result in immediate employment as well as the addition of medical staff upon completion.
“We really appreciate Congresswoman Giffords’ support,” said Jim Dickson, the hospital’s administrator and CEO. “Our emergency room is 25 years old and the demand has increased by 25 percent in the last year. It is extremely hard for small rural hospitals to access capital in a recession, and this funding will help us greatly.”
The funding was included in H.R. 3293, an appropriations bill for the departments of Labor, Education and Health and Human Services. The bill passed in a 264 to 153 vote. It now awaits action in the Senate.