Crystal Lake, Ill.-based Mercyhealth announced proposed plans to build a micro-hospital and clinic. The plan includes building a small 13-bed micro-hospital with private inpatient and intensive care beds, two operating rooms and ancillary services.

Because Crystal Lake does not have an emergency department, the micro-hospital will include a 24/7 emergency room, offering access for immediate emergency care to those who have limited access to transportation, especially the Medicaid, charity care and elderly patients. Critical patients would be stabilized and transferred.

Mercyhealth is required to apply for a Certificate of Need to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. Mercyhealth anticipates construction will begin once they obtain approval with the expected opening in 2020.