A delegation of Patrick officials are traveling to Richmond Thursday to be on hand when a proposal is introduced to extend the acute care license of the local hospital.
Debbie Foley, economic development director, said she and other local officials plan to leave Stuart at 3 a.m. Thursday.
Foley said she plans to address legislators in advance of the vote.
State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Moneta, crafted the proposal, SB 134. It will be introduced at 8:30 a.m., Foley said she was told. She anticipates the measure also will be voted up or down at the time.
The bill will be introduced in the Senate Committee Room in the Pocahontas Building, 900 East Main Street, Richmond, Foley said.
The local delegation was asked to be in the building by 8 a.m., Foley said, adding she hopes residents may make the journey as a show of support for the bill.
“I know this is short notice, ” Foley said. “It was to us as well.”
Any residents interested in attending are invited to meet county officials at the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Building at 3 a.m. and follow the delegation to Richmond.
The license extension is critical to the future of the hospital, officials have said.
The Pioneer Community Hospital of Patrick closed in September.
