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They also need to buy new computers (but $160 million in IT?), build out more ICU beds, improve the ERs, build a rehab hospital ($70 million) and 10 urgent care centers around the county, install new elevators and so forth. It’s a long list, and CEO Carlos Migoya can defend every item on it. But as Mayor Carlos Gimenez says, perhaps the best route is to upgrade the areas where Jackson excels and let other, privately run hospitals take the patients for their areas of expertise.
The dilemma Jackson faces is the possibility of those other hospitals luring away Jackson’s now-uninsured patients when the Affordable Care Act kicks in next year and insures virtually everyone. When that happens, some patients who live a distance from Jackson’s facilities may choose to go to a nearby hospital or clinic. One that’s newer, shinier and closer to home.
Jackson has put together an experienced team of political operatives to run its pro-bond issue campaign. Without a long ballot with other races or issues, the Jackson question should get voters’ attention. That is, if they turn out to vote. The county’s election department predicts a turnout of between 15 percent to 20 percent. Do we really want a small percentage of voters to decide Jackson’s financial future?
CEO Carlos Migoya and Public Health Trust Chair Darryl Sharpton say they can’t wait ’til next year. “Jackson’s time is now,” Sharpton says. But the time doesn’t seem ripe for yet another tax increase, even a modest one — about $10 to $20 in the first year and $48 at its height for the average homeowner.
If you’ve been a patient at Jackson — and I have — you may be inclined to say Yes to the bond because of the high quality of medicine Jackson provides. For anyone with a serious trauma injury, the only choice is Jackson’s Ryder Trauma Center. Other departments excel, too. Jackson’s leaders are counting on a huge reservoir of community support from everyone who’s ever made contact with Jackson. But even they may be skeptical.
This is going to be a tough sell.
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