Proposed VA Outpatient Facility in Fishers Could Bring Major Investment to City’s Medical Corridor

LarryInFishers.com

A proposed U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient medical facility in Fishers could become part of the city’s growing medical and life sciences corridor if Congress approves funding included in the federal budget proposal, according to a report published by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

The IBJ reported the VA is seeking funding for a new outpatient facility in Fishers as part of a broader $2.1 billion proposal that also includes replacing the aging Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in downtown Indianapolis.

Plans call for the Fishers facility to be located near the IU Health campus along Interstate 69 near 136th Street and Olio Road. Initial concepts outlined in the IBJ report indicate the outpatient center could include at least 188,000 square feet of space for primary care, mental health services, specialty care and other outpatient services.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness told IBJ the city strongly supports the project, particularly because it aligns with Fishers’ ongoing efforts to expand its medical and life sciences presence.

“The opportunity to have a VA care facility is one well worth pursuing,” Fadness said, according to the IBJ. He noted the project would fit alongside nearby medical facilities, including Ascension St. Vincent Fishers and the Indiana Orthopedic Institute in Noblesville.

Fadness also praised the proposed model of locating more specialized hospital services downtown while offering outpatient and same-day care in suburban areas easier for patients to access.

“I think it does make a good deal of sense to have the more intensive care in downtown Indianapolis but then the more ambulatory, same-day surgery type of services in a more suburban environment that’s a little easier to access,” Fadness told IBJ. “I think it’s a good model, and we support it. And we’ll do what we can to get it done.”

According to the IBJ report, city officials have also indicated Fishers could consider tax-increment financing incentives to help support the development.

The proposal still requires congressional approval.