DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A Dubuque hospital wants a state oversight board to reconsider the hospital’s application for buying equipment for a new cancer center. The Telegraph Herald reports that Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque filed the application last month with the State Health Facilities Council. In October the council rejected Mercy’s request for permission to purchase equipment that would be key to development of a $25 million cancer center. UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital argued at the time that its Wendt Cancer Center already provides the necessary services in Dubuque.

Officials say the two hospitals are discussing a joint venture. One of the state board members who voted against Mercy’s request has left the five-member council and so far hasn’t been replaced. Mercy officials hope to gain approval from what could be a more sympathetic council.