I’ve been delighted by the considerable positive response regarding the plans to significantly improve our hospital. I’ve also heard some questions about the cost and necessity of the project that I want to address.
Over the past several years, the maintenance staff of the hospital has done a wonderful job maintaining Pratt Regional Medical Center. But the original facility – which is the core of the building – is 60 years old, and time has taken its toll. As part of our recent efforts to sustain the hospital, we undertook facility studies in 1997 and 2008 to study and assess the condition of the hospital facilities, determine areas of concern, and propose solutions.
We’ve known for several years that we need to replace many of our worn out mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems. Susan Page was quoted in the newspaper last year saying that the necessary repairs were estimated to cost $8 million to $12 million. Those numbers were based on an informal estimate from a hospital facility expert who knew there were serious problems, but who hadn’t yet delved into a comprehensive study of the MEP systems. The point was that it was going to be very expensive. It was only after the MEP study was completed in October that we found out just how expensive it would be: $22 million. This high price is due to the sophisticated equipment necessary for a modern hospital, and because replacing equipment in the current building is an arduous and complicated process. We should also keep in mind that the $22 million only addresses MEP systems. These fixes would do nothing to improve other issues related to how healthcare has transformed from being focused on inpatient care to outpatient services.
Another concern that I’ve heard is that the current plans do not include keeping the additions completed in 1961 and 1981. Let me give you three primary reasons why this is so.
First, even though the buildings are newer, they have similar problems in structural design as the old building. For example, there is not enough room to place the necessary MEP and medical-related equipment above the ceilings.
We are, in fact, keeping the most recent additions from 1994 and 2000 which do meet modern healthcare requirements.
Second, as hospital care has transitioned to being centered on outpatient services, the layout of our facility has become antiquated and an obstacle to proper care. Access to services that our patients need is inconvenient and confusing.
And third, even though a few rooms do have 36”wide doors, the areas themselves are far from meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Even though it’s now a code requirement, as a community, we should strive to better meet the needs of our disabled friends and family.
I want to assure you the hospital staff, the PRMC Board, and the Pratt County Hospital Board have been diligent to justify by facts each part of the proposed project. We’ve looked at numerous options of renovation and replacement. Using our knowledge and experience in healthcare, coupled with our sincere desire to meet the needs of our community, we believe the major addition that is proposed is in everyone’s best interest. It balances cost, efficiency, and meets the projected long term needs of our hospital. The proposed plan will promote quality healthcare for Pratt and the surrounding community for decades to come.
We have not made this recommendation lightly, and invite you to please come to one of our upcoming meetings if you have further questions.
I thank you for your support.
Rich Sanders, Chairman
Pratt County Hospital Board
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I’ve been delighted by the considerable positive response regarding the plans to significantly improve our hospital. I’ve also heard some questions about the cost and necessity of the project that I want to address.
Over the past several years, the maintenance staff of the hospital has done a wonderful job maintaining Pratt Regional Medical Center. But the original facility – which is the core of the building – is 60 years old, and time has taken its toll. As part of our recent efforts to sustain the hospital, we undertook facility studies in 1997 and 2008 to study and assess the condition of the hospital facilities, determine areas of concern, and propose solutions.
We’ve known for several years that we need to replace many of our worn out mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems. Susan Page was quoted in the newspaper last year saying that the necessary repairs were estimated to cost $8 million to $12 million. Those numbers were based on an informal estimate from a hospital facility expert who knew there were serious problems, but who hadn’t yet delved into a comprehensive study of the MEP systems. The point was that it was going to be very expensive. It was only after the MEP study was completed in October that we found out just how expensive it would be: $22 million. This high price is due to the sophisticated equipment necessary for a modern hospital, and because replacing equipment in the current building is an arduous and complicated process. We should also keep in mind that the $22 million only addresses MEP systems. These fixes would do nothing to improve other issues related to how healthcare has transformed from being focused on inpatient care to outpatient services.
Another concern that I’ve heard is that the current plans do not include keeping the additions completed in 1961 and 1981. Let me give you three primary reasons why this is so.
First, even though the buildings are newer, they have similar problems in structural design as the old building. For example, there is not enough room to place the necessary MEP and medical-related equipment above the ceilings.
We are, in fact, keeping the most recent additions from 1994 and 2000 which do meet modern healthcare requirements.
Second, as hospital care has transitioned to being centered on outpatient services, the layout of our facility has become antiquated and an obstacle to proper care. Access to services that our patients need is inconvenient and confusing.
And third, even though a few rooms do have 36”wide doors, the areas themselves are far from meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Even though it’s now a code requirement, as a community, we should strive to better meet the needs of our disabled friends and family.
I want to assure you the hospital staff, the PRMC Board, and the Pratt County Hospital Board have been diligent to justify by facts each part of the proposed project. We’ve looked at numerous options of renovation and replacement. Using our knowledge and experience in healthcare, coupled with our sincere desire to meet the needs of our community, we believe the major addition that is proposed is in everyone’s best interest. It balances cost, efficiency, and meets the projected long term needs of our hospital. The proposed plan will promote quality healthcare for Pratt and the surrounding community for decades to come.
We have not made this recommendation lightly, and invite you to please come to one of our upcoming meetings if you have further questions.
I thank you for your support.
Rich Sanders, Chairman
Pratt County Hospital Board
