TAHLEQUAH — The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council voted 13 to 4 to assume operations of W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah during a special meeting Thursday, according to a media release.

All Tribal Council members were present for the vote. Councilors Bill John Baker and Tina Glory-Jordan, representing Cherokee County, and Councilors Jodie Fishinghawk and Joe Crittenden, representing Adair County, voted against the expanded health care measure.

The Cherokee Nation is scheduled to officially assume operations of the hospital Oct. 1.

In July, the Cherokee Nation announced its plan to construct several new buildings in the coming years as part of a comprehensive health care center that would include a new 200,000 square-foot health care facility, a new surgery center and new buildings for doctors, medical storage and health care programs and would incorporate W. W. Hastings Hospital as well. The buildings are planned for a 45-acre site next to the hospital.

Last year, the hospital recorded approximately 244,000 patient visits in a space meant to accommodate approximately 60,000 patient visits, resulting in nearly four-times the number of patient visits per year than was planned for the existing space.

Current and former employees of both Cherokee Nation and Indian Health Service said this change will be a great opportunity to improve health care for Native Americans in the area.