Norfolk, Va. (March 20, 2008) – While the Virginia Department of Health has denied certificate of public need (COPN) requests to build a new Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center and expand Bon Secours’ hospital services in Virginia Beach and Suffolk, Bon Secours will submit updates to their applications with the state for approval in the fall of 2008.  Bon Secours’ maintains its commitment to pursuing a more effective model of health care founded on convenience, compassion, choice and collaboration.  The new applications were filed January 1, 2008.

“We remain encouraged by the overwhelming support the community has shown for our vision,” said Richard A., Hanson, CEO of Bon Secours Hampton Roads.  “Because the need – and the demand – for a new era of health care in Hampton Roads is so compelling, we anticipate the state will approve our project in the fall.”

It is not unusual for the Virginia Department of Health to deny COPN proposals in the first round and approve them in the next.  The eventual approval of Bon Secours’ COPNs will transform Bon Secours DePaul, the region’s oldest hospital, into a modern health care town center and will strengthen Bon Secours DePaul as a critical asset to the community.  The denial also delays Bon Secours’ plan to establish acute care, community hospitals and health care town centers at existing outpatient campuses – Bon Secours Health Center at Virginia Beach and Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View.   

“By partnering with physicians and the community, the health care town centers will improve the quality of care, ensure care to the underserved, and give residents the opportunity to access a hospital system based on faith, charity and compassion,” said Sister Patricia M. Heath, SUSC, senior vice president of sponsorship for Bon Secours Hampton Roads.  “The model integrates changing community needs with the latest health and wellness offerings.”

Until further steps can be taken to transform health care in Hampton Roads, Bon Secours DePaul will continue to provide excellent care to the communities it serves. 

Bon Secours invites the community to visit www.bonsecoursvision.com to find out more about the bold new vision for a healthier community and to learn how to support refined proposals for health care town centers in Hampton Roads.