VALENTINE, Neb. — Cherry County Hospital is exploring a potential expansion that could add space for rehab services, the specialty clinic, an in-house MRI and additional storage.

Hospital CEO Jim Bargen outlined the early-stage proposal during Wednesday’s Cherry County Board of Commissioners meeting. He told commissioners that while storage space may not sound critical, the need became clear after Hurricane Helene destroyed Baxter International’s manufacturing plant last year, leading to a nationwide IV fluid shortage.

Cherry County Hospital had to cancel elective surgeries during the shortage — the only hospital in Nebraska to do so, Bargen said. More storage, he added, could help prevent similar disruptions in the future.

“As the largest employer in Cherry County, this would also allow for more opportunities,” Bargen said. “We’re excited to see where it takes us and expanding care for our community.”

Bargen emphasized that the plans remain preliminary, with no timeline yet in place.

He also said the project would not require additional tax dollars and would likely be funded with a low-interest loan.