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State delays Bon Secours plan for Norfolk hospital

By Barbara Hughes
Special to The Catholic Virginian

Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System has lost no time in responding to the March 19 negative decision from the Virginia Department of Health regarding plans for DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk.

Despite being denied a certificate of public need (COPN), Bon Secours is determined to achieve their goals.

“We are disappointed but we remain hopeful” said hospital spokesperson Lynne Zultanky.

“We asked the state to have faith in our vision. We don’t agree with the decision but we see this as a delay.”

In an effort to turn the decision around, Bon Secours is appealing through the courts and working through the state regulatory process.

“It is not unusual for the Virginia Department of Health to deny COPN applications in one round and approve them in a subsequent round,” explained Richard Hanson, Bon Secours Hampton Roads CEO.

In a joint letter from Mr. Hanson and Sr. Vice President, Sister Patricia Heath to Friends and Family of Bon Secours Hampton Roads, they explained that the application filed in January 2008 will be updated and refined to ensure immediate consideration. The decision is expected by the fall of 2008.

In the meantime, Bon Secours Health System will continue to serve the community from its three locations.

Ms. Zultanky described the vision for the new health system as a town center concept.

“The concept has been embraced by the retail, leisure and housing community and Bon Secours views the concept as a way to enhance community while providing easy access to medical services.”

Plans to transform De Paul Medical Center into a modern health care facility would allow the financially strapped and outdated hospital to remain competitive while continuing to serve the Norfolk community.

Under the proposed plan, the region’s oldest medical facility would redistribute the current 238 beds among three sites.

A new 64-bed hospital, complete with 10 birthing rooms, would be built on Granby Street in Norfolk. The outpatient campuses in Virginia Beach and at Harbour View in Suffolk would be expanded to include acute care community hospitals.

The medical town centers would offer an array of medical, surgical and diagnostic services with 90 hospital beds in Virginia Beach and 60 beds at Harbour View.

“All three locations would enhance care for an underserved population and would introduce a new model of health care founded on convenience, compassion, choice and collaboration,” explained Ms. Zultanky.

At the same time Bon Secours was denied a certificate of public need, a request by Sentara Health Care System to replace the existing Bayside Hospital with a new hospital in Virginia Beach and expand Obici Hospital in Suffolk was approved.

Matt Jenkins, attorney for Bon Secours, described the decision as being inconsistent with the law and the facts.

The Commissioner’s decision not only prevents Bon Secours from realizing their vision, he said, but it limits their ability to remain competitive and limits choices for those seeking medical services in the community.

In addition to legal and regulatory steps, Bon Secours has launched an aggressive campaign to highlight the overwhelming support they have received from the community supporting their bold new vision. Their website lists the names of state and local elected officials as well as business executives who have added their support to the effort.

As a way to make their voice heard, Bon Secours is asking the community to share their concern in three ways:

• Call 757–889–CARE and share your comments

• Write Richard Hanson, CEO at Bon Secours Hampton Roads, 110 Kingsley Lane, Suite 511, Norfolk, VA 23505

• Visit www.bonsecoursvision.com to submit your comments online.

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