Re: Regional hospital

[bill london <london@moscow.com>]

J-
Of  course consolidation makes economic sense.  That's what drives the
incredible market conglomerations/mergers in this economy.
However, with public instituions, other factors are equally strong.  That's why
the Troy/Deary/Bovill/Elk River school district in Idaho is now
deconsolidating.  They are likely to break apart, partly because the Troy people
and the Deary-Bovill people each want their own school and see it vital for the
continuation of their communities to have their own school.
Same with the hospital, it seems to me.  Of course, there are other factors: the
difficulty of meshing 2 very different hospitals, the inequality of the
hospitals' investment in a move, etc.
For a while it looked like the local surgeons were going to force the issue by
building a new surgical unit, but I don't know whether that is still happening.
And I also like having Gritman in Moscow.  And I don't like the idea of a new
hospital midway between Moscow and Pullman becoming the center of new Pullman
Highway development there.
So, the status quo seems likely to remain.
BL

Jeff Goebel wrote:

> Visionaries,
>
> This is the first note I have posted here.  I could use your help in
> understanding an issue that affects our region.
>
> Pullman is seriously considering building a new hospital.  I realize the
> very high cost of obtaining quality equipment for medical treatment.  I
> understand there are people in our area already going to Spokane because of
> limited equipment.
>
> I also know the costs of having two administrations for operations.  I also
> understand that Gritman Memorial Hospital is not willing to join together to
> build one effective facility which can serve the good of both communities.
>
> My question: Given the above points, why doesn't it make sense to invest in
> a joint facility somewhere between our communities which could invest in one
> set of medical equipment needs and administration?
>
> Thank you for any insights you may have.  Jeff
>
> Carl Jeffry Goebel
> Goebel and Associates
> Web page: www.aboutlistening.com