There were hopes the new Bowie emergency room operated by Faith Community Health System would be open by mid-July, but as the month came to an end Frank L. Beaman, chief executive officer said this week “We are still moving forward with no set opening date, but we are getting closer.”
The CEO said they are waiting on delivery and installation of new signage and other items for patient care, adding hiring has been successful and ongoing and they “hope to be open soon.”
Faith Community undertook the creation of the ER in August 2021 after working out an agreement with a private investment group that purchased the property after it went to foreclosure. The property owners are listed as First Doctors Hospital of Texas LLC Chicago, IL.
Bowie has been without a local hospital since Feb. 4, 2020 when the former Central Hospital closed its doors. The property has sat vacant ever since vandalized and ravaged by the weather that caused extensive damage. Renovations included new HVAC, wiring, roof and several large pieces of equipment including an MRI machine. The pandemic and resulting supply chain issues slowed the renovations.
At the end of May Beaman reported a two-day job fair where more than 50 people attended and more than 20 were hired. He pointed to a mid-July time for a “soft opening,” but added no one wants it to open more than him and the hospital.