If not Triad, then what do you suggest?

Frontiersman editorial board

This Thursday members of the Valley Hospital Association will vote to decided whether or not to approve a joint venture agreement between VHA and Triad, a Texas-based health care company that will contribute as much as $75 million to the joint venture partnership. That money, if the members vote yes, will help build a new 75-bed hospital in the Valley. While Triad's large contribution to the JV will ensure it the position of majority partner, VHA will be guaranteed equal footing on the new board, and the use of block voting will also make it more difficult for either side to bully the other into decisions. The block voting rule is required by the IRS in order for VHA to continue as a tax-exempt not-for-profit even though it will be a partner with the profit driven and tax-paying Triad.

The debate over whether or not VHA should take this course has been heated. While both VHA boards voted unanimously to approve the partnership, some VHA members have doubts about the wisdom of this move. The primary concerns have been over local control, which most members feel should be protected. The idea that an Outside company could come in and essentially buy control of the Valley's hospital is worrisome to many.

Unfortunately, the hospital is losing ground in its fight to keep pace with the Valley's health care needs and we could find ourselves in control of a non-functional hospital. The decision, it seems, is about what is more important -- complete control of a dying hospital or partial control of a growing, responsive one. The issue of control is a political one, while the issue of improving services is a human one.

Another concern raised by opponents to the joint venture is that Triad's history is linked to Health Care of America (HCA) and Columbia HCA. Those historical connections are true, and it is also true that there are legal and financial troubles in that past. Still, there is no evidence that Triad is guilty of the same practices that got those other companies into trouble. It would also be wrong to assume that everyone who was associated with those other companies during their troubles was responsible for those problems.

Frontiersman has contacted several physicians and other people working for Triad-owned hospitals, and they have all sung the praises of the company. Each has said Triad is quick to provide equipment and facilities when needed, and that Triad is also open to the suggestions and concerns of physicians.

It may not be a perfect marriage -- what marriage ever is? Still, it is past time to make a decision and allow Valley Hospital to catch up to our needs and expectations. If you're going to vote no on the joint venture, you should also bring some alternative solutions to the table.