DCHA
District of Columbia Hospital
Association
1250 Eye
Street, NW · Suite 700 · Washington, DC 20005-3930
Tel: 202/682-1581
· Fax: 202/371-8151 · E-mail: info@dcha.org
· Web: www.dcha.org
Testimony Before the Committee
on Human Services concerning
the Proposed Contract for
the Privatization of Health
Care Services for the Uninsured
Presented by Robert A. Malson,
President
April 27, 2001
Chairperson Allen and members of the Committee on
Human Services. I am Robert A. Malson, President of the District of
Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA). I appreciate the opportunity to
express DCHA's views on the proposed contract between the Financial
Control Authority and Greater Southeast Community Hospital for the
privatization of health care services for the uninsured.
DCHA Board Members have reviewed the proposed
agreement and met yesterday with Mayor Anthony Williams, Alice Rivlin,
Ph.D., Chair of the Control Board, and Chief Health Officer, Ivan Walks,
M.D., to discuss the proposed contract with Greater Southeast Community
Hospital (GSCH) regarding provision of services now rendered by the Public
Benefit Corporation (PBC) and D.C. General Hospital (DCGH). Both Mayor
Williams and Dr. Rivlin indicated that ongoing communication with hospital
leaders would be critical to the success of the proposal.
We had a very good discussion, which focused
primarily on three areas of great concern to our hospitals:
- Availability of trauma care for the
southeastern portion of the District
- Access to specialty care, and
- Scope of services at the emergency facility
remaining at DC General Hospital.
With regard to trauma services, DCHA Board
Members strongly suggested that the American College of Surgeons (ACS) be
included in any review since they conduct the Trauma Center verifications.
In fact, it was recommended that ACS be asked to provide consultants as
soon as possible for the transition of trauma services to Greater
Southeast.
The Board was pleased that Mayor Williams
acknowledged the importance of establishing a good relationship with DCHA
and its members since hospitals are on the front line of care for city
residents. DCHA looks for ward to working with the new Commission that
will provide oversight of the new delivery system, on which the Mayor said
would include hospital representation.
DCHA remains committed to monitoring any and all
health privatization efforts and will continue working with this Council
and the Mayor to ensure that patient care for all who need health care
services is provided in the most appropriate setting.
Thank you again for this opportunity to testify.
As always, I am glad to answer any questions. |
