MDTH Medcath Corp. (MM)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MedCath Corporation (NASDAQ:MDTH) announced today that its most recent hospital development project, Hualapai Mountain Medical Center, has received the required zoning approvals from the Kingman (Arizona) City Council. As such, MedCath intends to begin construction of the hospital in early 2008, and the hospital is anticipated to be completed in fall of 2009. Upon opening, Hualapai Mountain Medical Center will have 70 beds in service and shelled space for an additional 36 beds. MedCath President and Chief Executive Officer O. Edwin French expressed his thanks to the city council and the planning and zoning commission and staff. "City officials and staff members have been gracious and cooperative throughout this process, familiarizing us with local requirements and walking us through the steps of the review and approval process. We appreciate their guidance and expertise. We are also grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from local citizens and business leaders who share our enthusiasm for a new hospital in Kingman." Although formal zoning approvals have been received, other items remain as part of preconstruction preparation. "Our next step is to meet with the city staff and ensure compliance with the approval stipulations so we can obtain grading permits in early 2008," explained MedCath Vice President for Construction and Design Jay Hornung. Plans for a formal groundbreaking in January are underway, and at that time, the hospital board is expected to unveil the logo for Hualapai Mountain Medical Center. MedCath Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a healthcare provider focused on high acuity services with the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease being a primary service offering. MedCath owns interests in and operates ten hospitals with a total of 635 licensed beds, located in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas. In addition, MedCath and its subsidiary MedCath Partners manage the cardiovascular program at various hospitals and provide services in diagnostic and therapeutic facilities in various states. DATASOURCE: MedCath Corporation CONTACT: O. Edwin French, President & Chief Executive Officer, or James E. Harris, Chief Financial Officer, +1-704-708-6600, both of MedCath Corporation Web site: http://www.medcath.com/

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