Virgin-Islands-On-Line's Coconut Telegraph

Schneider Hospital is mulling options in wake of surgical center's approval

This new out patient clinic/hospital things has been a brewing controversy for some time. I think it is a pretty complex issue, and Schneider Hospital seems to have made some great strides in the last few years. I would hate to see something new short circuit their revenues. This is a complex issue, I would like to hear opinions about it.

By JOY BLACKBURN Tuesday, December 7th 2004

ST. THOMAS - The controversy surrounding a proposed privately owned outpatient surgical center here does not appear likely to die down soon, despite the fact that the center has been granted a certificate of need by the Health commissioner.

At a special hospital board meeting called Monday night, Schneider Hospital officials left open the possibility that the organization might pursue legal action in an attempt to stop development of the facility.

Schneider Hospital Chief Executive Officer Rodney Miller distributed an unsigned, unaddressed document that he said was the only written notification the hospital had received about Health Commissioner Darlene Carty's decision to grant the certificate of need.

Miller said he received the document via e-mail only after requesting it from Government House spokesman James O'Bryan Jr.

Miller said hospital officials are still analyzing the document and its overall impact, but that "there are a number of things we will have to consider from a legal standpoint."

The hospital has been a vocal opponent of the proposed surgical center, where outpatient procedures would be done and patients would not stay overnight.

The doctors backing the proposal say the center will provide a much-needed service and a choice that will help stem the flow of residents going off-island for health care. Hospital officials counter that the facility would rob the hospital of insured patients and revenue-generating outpatient procedures, which could cripple its ability to provide other needed services to the community.

The document says that "anyone can appeal the commissioner's decision, based on the grounds for reconsideration specified in the rules and regulations." Miller said hospital officials requested the rules and regulations from Carty on Monday to determine whether they have grounds to appeal the decision.

He would not comment Monday on any specific action the hospital plans to take. Schneider Hospital officials have scheduled a press conference Thursday to respond to the decision.

"I would say at this point, we are considering all options to preserve health care for the people of the Virgin Islands, specifically, the St. Thomas-St. John District," Miller said.

Attorney David Bornn, who represents the doctors backing the facility, did not return a Daily News telephone call seeking comment Monday night.

Posted by afinta at December 9, 2004 11:37 AM