Springfield, OR, January 11, 2008—McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center (MWMC) announced today that it is withdrawing consideration of the Delta Ridge site for a hospital location, and is investigating alternative sites in the community.

“Our focus today is on finding the best location that makes sense for the community and the hospital, and that supports our growth needs for years to come,” said Maurine Cate, chief executive officer.  “We’re continuing our search.”

“It’s clear that Delta Ridge was not the best option. This is a very important, far-reaching decision; and we want to make every effort to do the right thing for our patients, our neighbors, and the greater good of Lane County,” said Cate.

The hospital cited desirable criteria for a location, including good, safe access with minimal environmental and traffic concerns; and lower site preparation costs, so the hospital can invest as much as possible into the facility and patient care services.

Cate said the hospital re-evaluated the potential of the Delta Ridge site as new information became available.  “After careful consideration of issues raised by the neighbors, the planning commission’s recommendations, wrestling with the site’s traffic and access problems, and the need for considerable additional investment to prepare the site, we made the responsible decision not to build at Delta Ridge,” said Cate.

“We appreciate the community’s support and continuing involvement in the process to find the best location for us to invest in a 21^st century facility,” said Dr. Zena Monji, chair of McKenzie-Willamette Board of Trustees.  She said hospital leadership remains involved in the investigation of potential sites in the area.

The hospital recognized the Planning Commission’s “thoughtful and diligent review of its Delta Ridge site proposal” and thanked the members and city staff for their technical work and evaluation.  “We also want to praise the neighbors and thank them for their willingness to meet with us during this process,” said Cate.  “Their insight helped us to better understand the need to investigate alternative locations.”

The hospital’s team includes 13 local Board members, more than 750 employees, 480 physicians on the Medical Staff, and 50 volunteers.  “We’re all deeply committed to providing extraordinary care,” said Cate.  “We’re invested in this community and plan to remain a strong community partner for many years to come.”

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, a 114-bed acute care hospital, has been caring for Lane County communities since 1955.  The hospital provides a broad range of services, and is known for high-touch, family-centered care.  McKenzie-Willamette was the first hospital in the area to offer robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci system, and in 2007 the facility opened its Heart Center and introduced open heart surgery to Springfield.  The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is a designated Level III Trauma Center.