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February 25, 2007 Voice of the People To the Editor: As the statewide association representing 200 hospitals, we strongly disagree with your suggestion that the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board "fade away" ("Bring on the sunset," Feb. 20). While your editorial stated that an independent analysis by The Lewin Group "hedges a bit" on the future of the planning board, this consultant’s top and immediate recommendation is that the board continue. It supports continuation of the program in order to protect access to health care services, particularly for underserved populations. In addition, an Illinois Senate Republican task force has also called for a long-term extension of the program. In overseeing the health planning process, the planning board goes beyond protecting safety net hospitals. If left entirely to free-market competition, there would be an unhealthy expansion of profit-driven specialty providers at the expense of full-service, community hospitals. Community hospitals provide the full spectrum of essential health care services to everyone – such as 24/7 emergency services, trauma care and perinatal services – services that lose money. Numerous studies show that as specialty providers increase, community hospitals are forced to reduce unprofitable but critically needed services. For example, one study found that without a planning program in place in Kansas, the city of Wichita, with a population of just over half a million people, has seen 15 specialty hospitals and centers open since 1999. As a result, there has been a decline in the financial health of the city’s two full-service hospitals, leading to cutbacks in services. Illinois needs a planning process that focuses on major health care projects such as new construction that protects critical health care services, especially for the poor and uninsured. That is why the Illinois Hospital Association is urging the General Assembly to extend the program for five years to continue to protect access to essential health care services for all Illinoisans. Sincerely, Ken Robbins | |
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