Broadlands Hospital Approved!

OK, so Donna has spoken. Am I to assume that you live in Broadlands?

 

I think there are hidden agendas all over the place with this hospital. The whole thing just doesn't smell right to me.

 

Donna,

The fact is, you work for LHC. I see no way how you can differentiate your views, and pose them as independent from LHC interests. I am in no way saying you should not point out yours and/or LHC views, but I think it valid to keep your comments in context of your current employment situation. Please continue the debate on the issues, as we are all interested in what LHC and you are thinking.

Since you are so interested in pointing individuals to past posts, I suggest you look back to the three posts I've made answering your question. Each time the question has come from you, so I assume you can find the reference easy enough. I've answered it numerous times, and have never hidden the fact I do not live in Broadlands. I live as close to the BRMC site as others within Broadlands.

 

I don't work for LHC but I DO live in Broadlands. I do not think a hospital belongs here.

Yes, there are some hidden agendas. I don't understand why out of all the the places in loudoun county HCA wants to build here. It aggressive, and selfish. Broadlands people are being the fools for falling for this. I don't hear anything from the South Riding area, who are always piping up about how they are lacking in the same amenities as eastern loudoun. You know they are being quite smart keeping their nose out of this one... I have many friends in South Riding that are extremely happy this hospital is not their problem.

 

I think that odor is something that smells quite like GREED. If these people at HCA really cared about health care for the citizens in the area, they would put this place further out where no hospital currently exists. But they want to plop this thing in the middle of a more affluent area to pick the deeper pockets. Not bad business. Just don't flash the "we care" card in our faces. Maybe, "if you can't fight 'em, join 'em", and buy some stock in their company. Or, fight 'em by appealing to more sensible heads who aren't in it for the money and have this place put in an area that geographically makes a heck of a lot more sense.

 

sk8r - of course it is aggressive and selfish. HCA is a for-profit organization. Like most other businesses they want to build where it is best for THEIR concerns.

Our area is extremely well-to-do, with lots of people who have health insurance. They might not make the "profit margin" in the first few years, but with our current population growth it would not be long before they do.

And with this growth all over NOVA don't be surprised when there is a hospital in western Loudoun and one somewhere out by rt. 50/rt 28

 

Donna-
Thanks for posting the list of names and addresses of officials that those in favor of, or opposed to, the hospital can send them to.
To answer some of your questions:

1) "What is Richmond thinking; 2nd hospital is NOT NEEDED 5 miles from Loudoun Hospital Center; what happened to smart planning?"
Actually it makes the MOST sense to build another hospital in this area. The county has downzoned western Loudoun to the point that it will probably never have the population base to support a hospital. Also, there is not public water and sewer available to any 50-60 acre site in western Loudoun. 90% of the growth of this county will be within 3-5 miles of Broadlands (Moorefield Station,Loudoun Station, Brambleton, Loudoun Valley Estates,etc.)

2) "LHC has been building this communities healthcare based upon rational and smart strategic planning."
Sorry, but I did not notice any strategic planning on their part until the threat of competition arrived. They still have COPN's that have been approved that they have not built. Where are the operating rooms they've been approved for? There is a big shortage of operating rooms in this area. Thankfully, HCA Reston has several new operating rooms coming on line later this year to serve the public's needs. LHC is still standing by. It appears HCA is trying to meet the medical needs of this area.

3) "competition is one thing greed is another."
I agree. It is incredibly greedy for LHC to claim they have deserved the right to have a monopoly on Loudoun county for hospital healthcare. THIS will drive up healthcare costs, not competition.
Oh, and don't think LHC does not make a profit. Just look at the money they pay to their bondholders (as opposed to shareholders) and look at the salaries they pay their executives.
Their is one big difference between the "not-for-profit" LHC and the "for-profit" HCA: HCA will pay millions of dollars in taxes to the county. LHC won't pay a dime.

4) "The volume and patient pool isn’t there to provide the funding for higher level services which this county deserves."
Regarding patient volume, it was reported on the front page of the paper back in early December that Reston and Fair Oaks hospitals were on reroute, and LHC reported 151 in patients for their 145 beds and they weren't accepting any more patients. This meant the nearest available hospitals were in Winchester or Inova Fairfax. And this was BEFORE the flu epidemic. Also, in the public record is a letter from an elderly patient who spent two days in late December shuffled around hallways and offices while waiting for a bed in LHC. No rooms were available. She left the hospital, against medical advice, because of her disgust at this poor treatment.
Sounds like the patient base is already here. The new hospital won't open for 4 years and Loudoun will have approximately 70,000 more residents by then.

5. "How does the state rule so vehemently against HCA one cycle and approve the next? Circumstances have NOT changed."
It appears to me that this decision was based on facts and not political considerations like the last decision.

6) "Regarding neighborhood issues: letters also need to express outrage about lack of zoning, traffic, ambulance sirens/lights, helicopters. "
The site is zoned for a hospital, with "special exception" approval. The traffic, as you saw in the traffic study presented at a resident meeting, is LESS with a hospital versus the planned office park. Helicopters equate to 1-2 per week, they follow major roadways and landmarks, and the helipad is on the far side of the site, behind the hospital building. HCA is moving the emergency entrance onto Belmont Ridge to keep the ambulances off of Broadlands Blvd as much as possible.

Just thought I'd throw these facts out there again since this topic is getting activated again. I'd be happy to share my sources again for all of these facts if anyone needs them.

 

I got an email today asking why I've quiet on this issue. In fact, I was asked if I'd gotten a pay off from the ho$pital or the HOA. My reply is yes, the check cleared! If you complain enough, it seems like you'll get compensated. I encourage all the anti-ho$pital supporters demand cash, and I bet you'll get it. It's not spelled "Broadlands Ho$pital" for nothing.

killer_bee in broadands, ashburn, virginia

 

Well, the changes HCA made are better than the original COPN. But they wouldn't have done it if we hadn't been outspoken in the first place. It's too bad this could not have happened for the lime green monster their buiding on the trail.

 

Homer-
Still working on the monster.
Cliff

 

Go for it! The next thing I'd like to see is sound walls on the greenway. The noise from that is much greater than the occassional helicopter or plane!

 

Sorry for not keeping up on everything, but what is the lime green monster?

 

The office building by the Circle K

 

Is that nice to call it the Lime Green Monster, I don't think thats politically correct, someone gave a lot of thought to that color and you might offend them ...(see I can have an opinion on something other than HCA)...just kidding for those of you that might think I'm serious.

 

SK8R I think the answer as to why the Broadlands may be easier than one would believe. Terrabrook. Hmmmmmmmm.
The economy tanked and Terrabrook decided not to develop as originally planned (and advertised and sold to original homeowners that brought value to the community) as the big $ would not come easy, soooooooo sell the land cheap to HCA with the agreement Terrabrook has first right of refusal to develop the land where current Hospitals exist, will be closed and demolished (my guess is that would not happen). Now that's land that WILL be developed for a boatload of $, quick and easy. No conspiracy theory....when HCA was asked what other sites in Loudoun county they explored, the answer was "two other properties in the Broadlands". The Broadlands is not Loudoun county and is not the only large tract of land in the county with water and sewer as HCA claims. It is politics and $$$$. NOT what is best for the taxpayers of Loudoun County. If it were, they would have and still should look very seriously at the land across from MCI. The MCI building has water and sewer and MUCH better access to the Greenway, Loudoun County Parkway, 28 and the new exchange due in 2006 and NO RESIDENTIAL HOMES IN THE BACKYARD.

 

einstein-
Regarding the MCI property- Is there a contiguous 55-60 acre parcel of land available there that is buildable?
A large amount of the property east of Loudoun County Parkway through the MCI campus is not buildable due to the flood plain for the creek.
I admit I have not done an independent verification of this, but according to HCA there are a few 30 to 40 acre parcels available, but they are not contiguous, making them unusable.
If you know otherwise, please let me know.
Cliff

 

Hi everyone, I appreciate all of those that are interested in attending a meeting to discuss our next plan to keep HCA out. I have a few dates and wanted to pass them by you to see which days work best. Also, some of the email addresses I have are being sent back and I know these are people who are still interested in helping because I have talked with them on the phone. If you could talk to your friends and neighbors and have them send me an email so I can add them to the list that would be great. OK as for the dates...Since spring break is coming and many of you will be out of town how does this week look??? Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th, or Friday the 26th. We can start around 6:00 or 6:30pm. Also if you have kids and need to bring them that is fine...we have plenty of toys. Please let me know ASAP so I can plan accordingly. As always thanks for your help and involvement in this. Donna Fortier (703) 723-6911, Dmfortier@erols.com.

 

You might be interested in reading this article: Hope nothing happens in an HCA hospital... http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/pr004034.php3

 

Interesting essay. Important to note, if the legislation passes it will effect HCA and LHC. I am not sure how it uniquely effects our HCA hospital. I wonder why the article was written the way it was, only identifying HCA and Frist? Almost sounded personal and emotional. Any ideas?