Hospital district will stay on track with goals
It's not so much a willingness to play, it's more of an issue of staying on the chosen path.
The board of directors of Marion County Hospital District #1 spoke out Sept. 25 about the possibility of a county hospital and consolidation with Hillsboro Community Medical Center.
On Sept. 24, Dr. Randal Claassen of Hillsboro asked Marion County Commission to consider funding, by way of a question on a ballot, a county hospital which would eliminate or consolidate the two hospitals.
For board member Martin Tice, Marion and Hillsboro have tried to discuss options but were not successful.
During previous discussions with Hillsboro, Hillsboro Community Medical Center was not willing to divulge its financial information, Tice said. The hospital district had given the Hillsboro facility until July to come forward to discuss possible consolidation of services but no contact was made.
"Past experiences have not been successful," board member Ken Vinduska said.
Tice said he would be willing to talk with HCMC if it would share the same information as the hospital district.
"Our financials are laid out on the table," Tice said, because St. Luke Hospital, Living Center, and Home Health Care are partially funded, about seven percent or $650,000 per year, by a county hospital district. Hillsboro Community Medical Center also receives tax support from the City of Hillsboro but their meetings are closed to the public as are their financial records.
The hospital district board made a commitment a few months ago to a strategic plan. A task force was formed with the task of planning for the future which could include expansion or a new facility.
Marion County Commission is to send a letter of concern to the hospital boards, asking for input about consolidation or a county-owned hospital.
The majority of board members and hospital officials expressed concerns about the county hosting a meeting without a specific agenda and without information to answer questions. Board president Judy Reno said the county wanted a brainstorming session but she would be in favor of a meeting when the commission was more prepared.
Chief financial officer Hilary Dolbee said there should be a third entity that the hospitals contribute toward instead of a consolidation of the two.
"We also have to determine if the board wants the facility outside Marion city limits," board member Bruce Skiles said.
"I think we should continue what we have planned," Tice said. "Otherwise we'll be waiting for something that may never happen."
