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HALIFAX REGIONAL OPPOSES ENDOSCOPY FACILITY ROANOKE RAPIDS, N. C. (January 2, 2007))—The Board of Directors of Halifax Regional Medical Center has voted to register its opposition to a proposed endoscopy facility in Roanoke Rapids. The facility would be owned and operated by a for-profit organization, Halifax Gastroenterology, P.C., which has asked the North Carolina Division of Facility Services for permission to build the facility. Endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a light and camera to allow a doctor to view the digestive tract to diagnose problems. Halifax Regional is a not for-profit community medical center which has provided endoscopy services for more than 20 years. “Our endoscopy services are outstanding,” said Will Mahone, CEO. “We have seven well-qualified employees who take excellent care of our patients.” The Board questions if there is sufficient demand in the area for two services. In its application, Halifax Gastroenterology recognizes that its facility would take patients away from the Medical Center. “The proposed endoscopy center would have a very adverse financial impact on the Medical Center by attempting to attract patients who can pay and leaving to us those who cannot pay for their care,” said Mahone. “Anytime a for-profit organization enters the local market in a rural area, there is damage to the healthcare delivery system,” Mahone continued. “Halifax Regional operates very efficiently with limited resources. A financially healthy hospital is essential for a viable community. In rural areas, health resources should be coordinated, not fragmented. We should work together to maintain the hospital as the cornerstone of healthcare in the community.” Halifax Regional is a not-for-profit organization that is an asset of the community. Any excess funds left over after the end of the year are re-invested in improving healthcare in the community. “It is in the best interest of every person and every business that we have a viable community medical center,” said Mahone. “Not-for-profit hospitals that provide for the total healthcare of everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, deserve the support of the community. Urban areas are different, Mahone explained. “Having for-profit endoscopy centers may be acceptable where they are numerous physicians and large hospitals. Urban areas have the volume to provide the economy of scale to operate efficiently,” he continued. “In a rural area, splintering healthcare services damages the entire healthcare delivery system. Patients and the community should consider the total impact that for-profit outpatient centers have on hospitals in rural areas.” The Board of Directors wants the community and the Division of Facility Services to have a serious review of the issue. “The Board believes this is an important principle at stake here,” said Hugh Bazemore, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Rural hospitals throughout North Carolina and the United States face significant financial pressures and need to retain their business to continue to provide the full range of healthcare services to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.” He also pointed out that viable hospitals are essential for economic development. “One of the first questions prospects ask is about the quality and access of healthcare,” Bazemore continued. “They will not invest here unless they are confident about our hospital’s capability to provide services. “Halifax Regional is in positive financial condition now, but we must be vigilant and work together for the Medical Center to maintain that position in today’s changing healthcare environment,” Bazemore said. This year, Halifax Regional will invest $3.5 million in new technology to improve patient care. “These funds come from utilization of our services,” pointed out Bazemore. He said there were more than 40,000 visits to the emergency room last year. The Medical Center has a major impact on the local economy, employing approximately 850 people with an annual payroll of $ $42.3 million. An additional $43,000,000 is spent purchasing goods and services. Halifax Regional has been in its current location for 34 years, but there has been a hospital in Roanoke Rapids since 1912.
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