Meriter cries foul over UW Health plans for East Side property

A rift between Meriter Health Services and UW Health appears to be widening, as Meriter’s leader says a UW Health plan to build a community hospital on Madison’s Far East Side is misguided because Meriter has available beds. UW Health isn’t confirming the plan for a community hospital. But UW Hospital’s board will consider a development plan Wednesday for 42 acres the hospital has bought since 2005 at the American Center business park, spokeswoman Lisa Brunette said. Officials won’t discuss the plan until after the meeting, she said. The purchase agreement calls for construction to start by next year. (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 5/9)