I know the facts and I'm voting yes

A Spectrum, by Rick Johnson

I am writing in response to the number of negative opinions of the new hospital proposal. As a Valley Hospital Operating Board member, I would like to let our community know the seriousness with which the VHA boards studied our options, and the extent of the due diligence that has been and will continue to be conducted.

The operating board completed a Strategic Plan in 2000 that called for VHA to find a capital partner to double the size of VHA's facilities and services by 2005. In the last year, we solicited prospective offers from nine different for-profit and not-for-profit hospital systems throughout the United States. We unanimously chose the Triad proposal because it met our established criteria more clearly than any other offer. In terms of corporate culture, preservation of local control and meeting the health needs of Mat-Su Valley residents, a capital partnership with Triad was clearly the best choice for our community.

Over the last several months, board members and administrators have diligently studied Triad and Triad's proposal. Armed with very specific questions, directors have flown out to Triad hospitals to interview Triad staff and governing boards. Others have made unsolicited calls to different Triad hospitals. We've spoken to board members, physicians, nurses and other staff. Our medical staff president-elect called more than 15 emergency rooms to grill doctors, ward clerks and registered nurses. We've contracted with a number of transaction attorneys to critically analyze the proposal to make sure that VHA is negotiating the best position for the future of health care in our community.

Here is what we've found. We've found that Triad is consistent and keeps its word. Its actual culture matches what is espoused in writing. Triad employees tell us they have the tools and support they need to provide quality patient care. Physicians praise Triad's primary and overall concern to deliver excellent care. Small hospitals like Valley Hospital report that Triad has recruited many more physicians and specialists to their communities to deliver the care. Nurses tell us their salaries are competitive and their work environment positive and engaging. I would encourage those thinking of voting no to go beyond hearsay and call Triad facilities at random. Talk to the people on the front lines who really know. We want community members to make an informed decision on this issue.

To retain our not-for-profit status, we are following very strict IRS guidelines on how to construct this capital partnership with Triad. These IRS guidelines, which have been upheld in court, were designed precisely to ensure that the not-for-profit truly experiences in word and action 50 percent of the control.

The VHA boards' overriding goal is to provide the very best in healthcare services for our community. We plan to look back on this capital partnership 30 or 50 years hence and be very proud of how we've improved health care and access to that health care for our community.

When we complete our due diligence and with the membership approval, we will build a brand new $75 million dollar state-of-the-art facility that provides more comprehensive services in a more accessible location to Mat-Su Valley residents. Are we passionate about the outcome here? You bet we are.

Why? Because for the last year, for several days every month, we've run out of beds, especially critical care beds. Sometimes, the Anchorage facilities have no critical care beds available either. Although more than half our populace seeks their hospital care services outside the Valley, Valley Hospital is still running out of beds due to significant population growth. This is a very serious issue. We have an opportunity to add beds, to put services in a more central location, and to step up to the plate and deliver what our community is demanding.

Here's how I define success with this capital partnership with Triad. I see my neighbor receiving her cancer treatments close to home instead of driving to Anchorage three times a week. I see cardiac patients being discharged from Valley Hospital to a healthy recovery rather than being discharged to a tertiary care facility in Anchorage for further care. I see my co-worker accessing a specialist in the Valley on his lunch hour rather than taking a day off work to make an appointment in Anchorage. I see more state-of-the-art equipment in the hands of more highly trained staff. I see more jobs and greater educational opportunities for community members who want to work in health care. I see an active Valley Hospital Association that continues to advocate and work for quality, accessible healthcare for all Mat-Su Borough residents.

I share this vision with my fellow operating board members. Together, we will all be voting yes Nov. 14 to ensure that all of you have the care you need -- here in your own community.

Rick Johnson is the director of the Valley Hospital Operating Board.