People divided after city council extends pause on emergency room facilities in Xenia

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XENIA — A city council has extended its moratorium on establishing freestanding emergency rooms.

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As reported Saturday on News Center 7 at 11:00, residents are torn about the possibility of a free-standing emergency room.

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As previously reported by News Center 7, Kettering Health has wanted to put another ER in Greene County.

One man told News Center 7′s Malik Patterson that this was a good idea.

“Yeah, I’d say so,” said Nathan Meade. “It could be beneficial for the residents here, especially if Greene Memorial is like the only place.”

Another man told Patterson he thinks it’s not needed.

“Focus on the one we got in town,” said Paul Hoover.

The Xenia City Council weighed in on this decision on Thursday night. They voted unanimously to table the discussion.

Thursday night, Xenia city manager Brent Merriman discussed the city’s hesitation on standing ERs.

They want a clearer definition of what a standing ER would be. Also, what would zoning look like?

The current proposed location by Kettering Health raises concerns.

“We’re recommending that the council take a motion this evening to table this. To give us some more time to study the implications of these changes. Before you would infatuate them,” said Merriman.

He agrees that more resources are always helpful. But he was nervous about what it could do to Greene Memorial.

“Well as best as we need it, you know. But like you say, I still agree, if we have a perfectly good hospital, build it up,” said Merriman.

The six-council members met Thursday and voted unanimously to table this discussion.

There is no set date on when it will continue.

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