Insight sets public meeting to discuss Keokuk hospital

KEOKUK - Insight Health Services will hold a public meeting to update area residents on their plans to provide a rural emergency hospital in Keokuk.
The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, in the council chambers at Keokuk City Hall.
“Any person who is interested in the future of health care in Keokuk is encouraged to attend,” said Keokuk Mayor Mark Smidt.
Insight will be represented by two members of its executive team: Dayne Walling, Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs; and Sameem Qazi, Special Projects Director.
They will provide updates on construction planning, state approvals, and grant funding.
Construction planning is currently being led by Carl A. Nelson & Co. in partnership with local contractors. This work includes completion of construction drawings, final code review, and submission to the Iowa State Fire Marshal for approval.
Insight also is preparing to utilize funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program and the State of Iowa Rural Health Transformation Program to support facility improvements and physician recruitment.
The goal is to reopen the hospital as Iowa’s first Rural Emergency Hospital with outpatient services designed to meet the community’s healthcare needs.