BRUNSWICK, Maine ? Hundreds of people turned out Wednesday for a hearing about the proposed merger between Central Maine Healthcare and Parkview Adventist Medical Center.
The hearing is part of the Department of Health and Human Services? Certificate of Need process, which is the mechanism the state uses to consider major changes or investments in the state?s health care system.
Parkview and CMHC filed a lengthy CON proposal earlier this year. Mid Coast Hospital, which is located a few miles from Parkview in Brunswick, filed a competing application seeking to take over Parkview, but was told by DHHS?s Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services that its proposal was not reviewable under the state?s CON law.
The hearing kicked off at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brunswick with a capacity audience, many of whom wore stickers or held signs in support of either Parkview or Mid Coast Hospital.
Valerie Caron of Harpswell, who has worked in Parkview?s pharmacy for 29 years, was one of several people standing outside the meeting, waving signs that said, ?Take me to Parkview,? which is a familiar slogan on bumper stickers in the Brunswick area, and ?Parkview is Here to Stay.?
Caron said the hospital printed up the signs but that her involvement in Wednesday?s hearing was voluntary.
?Parkview is a wonderful place,? said Caron. ?We need to have a choice in Brunswick. We?re not saying Mid Coast Hospital is a bad place, but we?re already halfway merged with [Central Maine Healthcare].?
Chuck Gill, vice president of public affairs for CMHC, kicked off what was scheduled to be an all-day hearing.
?We?re going to talk a lot today about why hospitals are joining larger systems throughout the country,? said Gill. ?Anyone involved in health care understands that this system is getting more and more and more complex. Stand-alone hospitals are really becoming outliers.?
Mike Ortel, chairman of the Parkview board, said that hospital has wanted to join with CMHC for more than a decade ? and not with Mid Coast.
?Control of Parkview has never been out to bid,? said Ortel. ?We have told Mid Coast ?no? multiple times over the past 30 years because of who we are and what we stand for. Our future looks good and we have no desire to go away.?
Others disagreed and said a merger between Parkview and Mid Coast is what?s best for the community. Ralph Perry said he has been involved in fundraising for both hospitals.
?Mid Coast is truly a community hospital for this area,? said Perry. ?In 2012, this community faces changes that will definitely affect the future of health care for all of us. It is imperative that we work together.?
The CON approval process is expected to take several more weeks. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m Nov. 26. They can be mailed to DHHS, Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services Health Care Oversight Unit, Station House 11, 41 Anthony Ave., Augusta 04333-0011.
Watch bangordailynews.com for updates.
gia la riots new jersey devils torn acl derrick rose injury st louis news utah jazz
No comments:
Post a Comment