If Inova Health System had any plans of closing Inova Mount Vernon Hospital based on its profit and loss statement evaluation they would have gotten a rude awakening Wednesday morning at the Mount Vernon Government Center.
More than 400 citizens of the Mount Vernon and Lee districts jammed the community room to lend their collective voice and strength to Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerald Hyland's press conference. It had been called to challenge the health system and demonstrate the commitment of not only the political leadership but also the community at-large to thwarting any such effort by the health organization.
Surrounded by past and present elected officials from both the county and state governments, Hyland opened his first press conference in 16 years of public office by telling the standing room only audience, "If Inova had any doubts about the importance of this hospital to the citizens of Mount Vernon and Lee districts they better think again."
He then introduced former U. S. Rep. and Supervisor Herbert E. Harris II who also serves on the Inova Health System appointed citizen task force presently studying the hospital's future and an adamant spokesperson for keeping the hospital open.
"I'm kinda glad about the Inova attack," Harris said. "It gives us a chance to get organized."
HE TOLD THE audience, "This challenge is important to all of us. In 1967 we had to fight to get our taxpayers a hospital. It was the taxpayers who bought the land and built the hospital. And, its the taxpayers who will determine its future — not to just keep it but enhance its services."
Harris was followed by former State Sen. Joseph Gartlan, who also serves on the Southeast Health Planning Task Force. He warned, "Our community is faced with a situation that can become a crisis. In my view, Inova has the obligation to respond in such a way as to make sure this hospital remains."
When Lee District Supervisor Dana Kauffman came to the podium he read from the hospital's 2002 Community Report. Using Inova's own words, he quoted them as stating, "Inova Mount Vernon Hospital has undergone many changes ... We enlarged and refurbished. But one thing never changes. Our dedication to bringing you the top-quality medical care you need and deserve."
Kauffman emphasized, "We are here to defend and promote our community hospital. It is our stake in this community. Inova has been so focused on competition. They have failed to honor the community. They are so afraid of being boxed in they have boxed out the community. Inova needs to stand by their words."
IN REFERENCING their fear of competition, Kauffman was alluding to Inova Health System's concern that HCA, a for-profit health care system, would build a competing medical facility in either the Springfield or Lorton areas. HCA lost a bid to build such a facility in Springfield five years ago and recently had an application rejected in Loudoun County.
Delegate Kristen J. Amundson (D-44) insisted, "Mount Vernon Hospital must remain open. However, its not going to be an easy task. Make no mistake, there are serious financial problems that must be addressed. And, there are no simple solutions. But, this community is speaking loud and clear; Mount Vernon Hospital must remain open.
"Inova has to do all it can. But, the medical staff has a responsibility. The Army has to guarantee an east/west access road. And, state government has to provide more help."
Amundson also suggested that the Army, which is preparing to convert DeWitt Hospital from an in-patient to primarily an out-patient facility, should consider using Inova Mount Hospital for in-patient needs instead of sending patients to Bethesda or Walter Reed.
"Why not explore the possibility of combining efforts?" she asked rhetorically. "Instead of two struggling hospitals, we could have one center of excellence. By working together, we might be able to begin to close the rift between Belvoir and the surrounding community, which is currently at the lowest point in my memory."
She noted, "In Chinese, the word for crisis is written by combining the characters for danger and opportunity. There is in this crisis real danger. But there is also an opportunity."
State Sen. Linda T. "Toddy" Puller, (D-36) brought a very real life evaluation of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital to the gathering when she noted, "This hospital has been very important to me and my entire family since I moved here in 1975. When I had my stroke, I wonder what would have happened to me if it had not been here?
"It not only served me but my late husband as well. I will do everything in my power to preserve it," she insisted.
Upon returning to the microphone, Hyland said, "I have been privileged to represent the Mount Vernon District for 16 years and I have never called an official press conference until today. I hope this conveys to the Inova Health System people the importance of this issue."
HE ALSO NOTED that Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, which is located next to the government center, has served his family in critical times of need. "Mount Vernon hospital saved my wife's life three times. And, she eventually died there. It's not really like your typical hospital. It is far more personable. They make you feel important and care for you as well as the patient."
Hyland reminded the audience, "I used to serve on the Inova Health System Board. Today, there is no representative from the Mount Vernon District on that Board."
He further admitted, "It's not pleasant to stand here in confrontation with the Inova system. I have supported each innovation to help this hospital remain economically viable. And, I believe Inova has met its mission over the years."
In explaining his rationale for calling the conference, Hyland said, "I have asked you here to show Inova we are a group who knows how to fight. The Mount Vernon District is truly different. Because of our demographics we have an awesome citizenry. They are willing to help with every aspect of the community."
Hyland added, "This challenge is truly for all of us. This hospital must stay here in the Mount Vernon District. It is a facility for all of us."
He then explained what each of them could do to increase the pressure on Inova Health System.
"Sign the petitions we have passed out and circulate them in your neighborhoods to get as many signatures as possible.
"Communicate personally with Knox Singleton (president and CEO, Inova Health System) and Susan Herbert, (vice president and administrator, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital).
"Insist that Inova find a way to solve this problem. Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is losing money but Inova Health System is making money."
Hyland emphasized, "Inova needs to get more involved and creative to make Mount Vernon Hospital better than it is today." When asked by a member of the audience if there were any representatives of the health system's hierarchy present who would like to speak none spoke up.
"We offered them an opportunity to be present and speak. I sent them a notice of this press conference and met with Knox Singleton yesterday, when I reissued that invitation," Hyland told the crowd.
SEVERAL MEMBERS of the audience did take Hyland up on his offer to have them speak. Mildred Corbin, a Mount Vernon District resident and hospital volunteer, explained, "I started my volunteerism here at Mount Vernon Hospital. And, the hospital has been very good to my entire family."
Another member of audience emphasized that "all meetings of the task force should be open for citizens to attend." This was in reference to the last two task force meetings being held behind closed doors to both citizens and the press.
The next meeting of the task force, held at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, is scheduled for June 5. It remains to be seen if it will continue in an executive session format.
Richard F. "Rick" Neel, chairman, Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, verified, "The Chamber is very concerned about the overall economic impact of closing the hospital. This is a real asset to this community. It is one of our largest employers in the region.
"I hope the Inova leadership will work with all of us to maintain this facility. It has a significant economic bearing in addition to providing the health care. It must be brought back to economic viability."
Others participating in the conference were outgoing Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Katherine Hanley (D) as well as two seeking that position, Providence Supervisor Gerald E. Connolly (D), and former Board Chairman Jack Herrity (R).