BY JIM HALL
MediCorp Health System and HCA have competed for the right to expand cancer treatment services in the region.
Twice before, in 2006 and 2009, the state has rejected their applications.
Yesterday, MediCorp tried a third time, by itself, to push for new cancer-fighting equipment for the region.
This time HCA didn't match MediCorp with an application of its own. Yet it still served as competitor and critic.
"MediCorp does not need or merit a third linear accelerator," said Tim Tobin, CEO of HCA's Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, now under construction.
"We recommend denial
Tobin was one of about 30 speakers at a public hearing at the Salem Church Library in Spotsylvania.
The Virginia Department of Health hosted the hearing to measure public support for MediCorp's plan for a new $11 million radiation therapy center beside Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.
The center would be an expansion of similar services at the Cancer Center of Virginia on State Route 3.
Spotsylvania Regional wants the same cancer services at the hospital being built near Massaponax. But the state said the company missed a deadline, and it postponed the review of HCA's application until next year. The company has gone to court to appeal that decision.
The stakes are high for HCA. If MediCorp's plan is approved, HCA will have a hard time persuading state regulators that more radiation therapy equipment is needed in the Fredericksburg area.
So about 16 employees and supporters of Spotsylvania Regional showed up to oppose MediCorp's plan. They described it as unneeded since there is existing capacity at the Cancer Center of Virginia.
They also said it would be harmful to Spotsylvania Regional's prospects.
"It makes no sense to solidify MediCorp's radiation therapy monopoly, shortly before Spotsylvania Regional opens," said Thomas Stallings, HCA's attorney.
About a dozen MediCorp officials and supporters countered that the new service is needed.
In particular, several cancer patients praised the plan for the addition of stereotactic radiosurgery, an advanced treatment for cancers of the brain and spinal cord.
Currently local patients go to the University of Virginia Medical Center for these treatments. Cline Barton was one of several patients to describe the trip to Charlottesville as "expensive, time consuming and difficult to endure."
MediCorp officials also criticized HCA's tactics.
"These are what we'd expect from a health care system that puts profits ahead of patient access and care," said Mark Hedberg, MediCorp's attorney.
HCA "is showing a trend of blocking Mary Washington and MediCorp from bringing vital services to our region, before their hospital is even open and capable of providing these services."
The public hearing is an early step in the state's review process. A Health Department analyst is expected to offer a recommendation on MediCorp's application next week.
Dr. Karen Remley, state health commissioner, will make the final decision, probably in November.
Jim Hall: 540/374-5433
Email: jhall@freelancestar.com
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MediCorp Health System has proposed a new cancer center at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg: WHERE: In a new three-story building at the traffic circle on the southern end of the campus WHEN: August 2011, if approved WHAT: Advanced radiation therapy for cancerous tumors, including stereotactic radiosurgery for brain tumors COST: $11 million--MediCorp Health System |