UVA-CRH Merger Essential for Community Health

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

July 21, 2014

Jim charapich

As Americans we are in the midst of a significant shift in health care reform. Federal laws have mandated much of the change. Regardless of one’s view of these changes, our healthcare system was moving in an unsustainable direction. Health Care costs were increasing for employers and individuals. Healthcare facilities faced lower revenues from reductions in Federal reimbursements.

The result of this confluence produced almost crisis conditions in resolving the healthcare options on both the patient and the provider side of the equation. In order to survive, independent health systems are forced to look for strategic partnerships to survive. In some cases, survival is not possible and hospitals are forced to close. The failure of the Virginia General Assembly to support Medicaid Expansions placed many hospitals in Virginia at risk of closing. This is especially devastating to communities that are just hanging on economically. The loss of a hospital significantly reduces the recruitment possibilities for new business.

When the Culpeper Regional Hospital initiated the partnership with the University of Virginia Health System in 2009, Culpeper gained access to resources that have proven essential for community health. The announcement last Monday by Dr. Shannon, Vice President of Health Affairs for the University of Virginia Health System, that the CRH and UVA partnership would expand making the University of Virginia Health System majority owner of the Culpeper Hospital, our community was invited to come to the meeting for comment.

The questions ranged from help with specific appointments to clear support from the community for the expanded partnership. One speaker pointed out that this was a decision for survival. During the hour long presentation there were several goals described by the joint Health System leadership. The leadership of Dr. Shannon was evident in his vision for the health system to deliver the “Right care to the right patient at the right place, on time and without defect”.

An excerpt from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” came to mind as Dr. Shannon described his visions for the health system. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” There is a temptation to try to cut our way to future success, however, rather than cut the way to profitability, the commitment to the region is to focus on quality of health outcomes, preventative care, and eliminating waste. A road perhaps less traveled, and yet, a road more noble in securing our community health.

Our quality of life in the region, combined with the University of Virginia brand and resources, will be a magnet for healthcare professionals in choosing Culpeper as a place to build their careers. Congratulations to the leadership teams at the Culpeper Regional Hospital and the University of Virginia Health System. We look forward to your continued leadership enhancing health care and quality of life in our community.