Physicians Oppose Moving Children's Hospital
Eric Ortner
North Buffalo Rocket / West Side TimesEighty members of the Physician Coalition of Children's Hospital pediatricians put their jobs on the line, as they voiced their objections to Kaleida Health's plan to move Children's Hospital of Buffalo to a location on High Street. The physicians clearly explained why they felt the hospital should remain at its current Bryant Street location. This was done during a public meeting held on the subject at Canisius College on Monday, May 1.
Kaleida Health created an ad hoc Committee that commenced a study of the feasibility of a move on October, 5 1999. The new High Street location would be adjacent to Buffalo General Hospital. Some of the advantages of this site would be in the immediate vicinity of a full range of adult medical services for high-risk mothers. Another advantage is a new clinical research building constructed within the High Street complex. Convenient parking from a new ramp would also be a nice bonus. Some patients would also benefit from the continuous construction that would not interrupt the services provided by Children's Hospital.
However, the Physician Coalition of Children's Hospital does not believe that these advantages will outweigh the consequences of such a move. Therefore a 90 minute presentation on why the Hospital should remain on Bryant Street was made before an audience of close to a hundred. County Executive Joe Giambra was mixed in with the spectators that included nationally recognized pediatricians.
The Physician Coalition conducted a survey of 317doctors at the hospital. There was an 83% response rate, which is very high coming from a busy group of medical staff. 80% of the respondents agreed that the facilities should not move, while only 13% felt that the move would have some benefits for the hospital.
The physician's distrust of such a move is based upon many things. One reason is because of the vagueness of the current ad hoc report. In addition, the hospital as it exists ranks as the 17th best facility in the US, out of over 250 similar centers. Such a move could seriously hinder the reputation of the medical institution.
This high ranking comes from the wide range of equipment and quality care at the hospital.
The doctors stated that children are different from adults and therefore require specialized treatment and facilities. Some of this specialized machinery, which is sized smaller for children, would be lost and substituted for the full size equipment at Buffalo General.
A homogenized pharmacy was also a large concern of the vocal physicians. The problem of improper medication is a national concern in the field of healthcare. The doctors worried that by overloading the Buffalo General pharmacy with the Children's Hospital prescriptions, life-threatening mistakes could be made.
The medical staff also worried that the floor design of the High Street location would be equally life threatening. Dr. Bradley Fuhrman explained, "Stabilization is a nice facility because all of the stations are located on one floor." The doctor feared that in the High Street location, the trauma unit would, "All have to be broken up." Life saving procedures would then be slowed down because the patients would have to be wheeled onto elevators. When lives count on the time between procedures, waiting for an elevator could prove to be deadly.
The size of the High Street facility is a major question for these physicians in more ways than just the stabilization unit, though. The High Street site is only 1.3 acres. Dr. Bradley Fuhrman lamented that Children's is currently situated on 7.6 acres of land.
In addition, the current location is in close proximity to a large number of outpatient services. They include the Robert Warner Rehabilitation Center, Hodge Pediatrics and the Adam Center. Patients can safely walk between these services and the hospital if needed. , Dr. Jacobi A member of the audience later stated that he would not feel as safe walking between similar outpatient services at the High Street location.
The Ronald McDonald House is also nearby attracting many out-of-town patients. Moreover, the current location acts as a stabilizing influence for the Elmwood-Bryant neighborhood. The neighborhood and its surrounding businesses, which are in great condition, would surely suffer if the hospital were to close.
The physicians also failed to see the $2.8 million in annual operational savings that Kaleida Health projects. That is because the cost of a new hospital would be $127.9 million for the inpatient unit alone.
Kaleida Health expects some funding to come from the University of Buffalo, which is supportive of such a move. However, The Children's Hospital staff fears that this funding is highly tentative and would not be available until at least 2003.
On the other hand, the outspoken doctors estimate that rehabilitating the Bryant Street location would be cheaper. The coalition stated it would only cost between $72 million and $87 million to restore.
Some participants in the hearing were willing to suggest that Children's Hospital should break away from the Kaleida Health system. However, according to the Physicians Coalition of Children's Hospital's literature, Children's Hospital can operate successfully within the system, but must be allowed to retain its independent identity and self-governance.
Dr. Steve Lana led the final discussion at the public meeting. He reiterated to the Kaleida Board of Directors, "Give us the details before you ask us to make a decision of such magnitude." He continued, "The Ad Hoc committee has been working hard to have a decision by late May. It is important for the community to have a say in the decision."
The Physician's Coalition of Children's Hospital is actively seeking the community's support in their efforts to keep the hospital in its current location. They have initiated a Web site found at chobonbryant.com to assist in this effort. There you will find more information on their point of view.
