The Medical Center moves forward with plans to expand despite opposition and a number of setbacks.

In February, we reported the Cabinet of Health and Family Services denied the Medical Center’s request for an additional 56 beds.

Now the local health care provider is taking a different route to solve their problems.

“We simply have to go forward with an expansion at this time and we will, like I said, then look at going back to the state later, but we need additional room. We are completely out of space,” said Doris Thomas, the Medical Center vice president.

The Medical Center plans to build a six-story tower in order to expand services that are currently cramped for space.

“One of the programs most likely to benefit from the addition is obstetrics,” Thomas said.

The Medical Center has been the sole provider for obstetrical services in the region since last fall. Thomas said the expansion will provide job growth and increased medical care for the region.

The project will cost $56 million and take approximately three years to complete.