By Peter Biello
Wilmington, NC – The North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council met with the public today at New Hanover Regional Hospital to discuss the Proposed 2008 State Medical Facilities Plan.
The plan is updated annually to determine the needs of health facilities across the state, such as acute care hospital beds and operating rooms.
State Medical Planner Victoria McClanahan says today's meeting gave area residents the chance to express their opinions on the plan.
If someone has looked at the proposed plan and they see that in their area no need has been determined for the type of service they believe is needed, they can petition the State Health Coordinating Council to recommend to the governor that there is a need for that service even though it isn't in the plan.
The State Medical Facilities Plan kicks in on January 1st, 2008.