Hospital deal spreads unhealthy fears

Frontiersman editorial board

The Valley Hospital Association (VHA) board is asking its membership to approve a deal with Texas-based Triad Hospitals Inc., to explore a joint venture that would bring in enough capital to allow for a much-needed move and expansion. There is much trepidation in the Valley about this potential deal.

It represents the dreaded influx of Outside dollars, and thus -- potentially -- Outside control of Valley matters. The problem is, if there aren't enough inside dollars available to address a serious need, we simply must consider other options. This merger could bring in as much as $75 million from Triad to add to what may be as much as $25 million in assets from the hospital. What that will mean is that the hospital will be able to purchase a large enough site to build a new facility with enough beds to meet the Valley's ever-growing needs. That hospital could offer a wider range of care, and would likely attract more doctors, technicians and specialists. That means more and better care for Valley residents.

One advantage of the new hospital is that patients who currently must seek medical care outside the Valley would be able to stay closer to home. Along those lines, the relationship with a stable corporate partner would also ensure that Valley Hospital could remain in front of the technology curve and continue to compete with Anchorage -- and Outside -- health care sources in ways the current hospital cannot.

The addition of beds and services would also mean that more Valley money spent on medical care will remain in the Valley. Keeping those dollars at home, and creating more jobs are only good news for an economy that must find ways to keep up with a fast-growing population. This is an opportunity to expand the employment base (with strong, technical jobs), bring in new revenue, improve health care and ensure our hospital will continue to keep up with growing local health care needs.

If you fear Triad and its money, then seek out all of the information. Talk to medical professionals and to members of the VHA board of directors. The board and the nine-member operating board have planned for a partnership with a firm such as Triad for years, and they voted unanimously to put Triad's offer before the VHA voting membership.

It's nice to maintain a strong local voice in all things that affect us. The hospital board believes this merger will not silence that voice. Triad will simply have a voice, too. After all, when two people each want to drive the car, the one with the gas money should at least get to hold the map.