By Dave Thompson

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Prairie Public News) – Governor Doug Burgum’s budget calls for building a new State Hospital in Jamestown

The new hospital would be built through a “public-private partnership.”

Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rosalie Etherington says there is interest among private developers to build the facility. As to where it would be built, she says that’s yet to be determined.

Etherington says current Hospital buildings are in need of major upgrades – and it’s to the point that the upgrades would cost as much – or more – than a new state hospital.

Etherington says consolidating services into one building would save money and improve care.

Along with this, she says the State Hospital is working to add beds in western North Dakota. She says she’s been talking with providers in the West.