Seventy-five percent. That’s the “ask.”
That is what is necessary to assist with resurrecting East Ohio Regional Hospital to more than 600 employees so a full-service medical facility can serve the Upper Ohio Valley. Without such a commitment from the city of Martins Ferry, the building could offer only psychiatric care and substance abuse rehabilitation services, but employment numbers would be far from the hoped for 600 plus.
It is a return to the heyday that Columbus-based Dr. John Johnson envisions in the oldest settlement in the state of Ohio, but the dream-come-true can take place only if elected officials in Martins Ferry decide to place “skin in the game.” The city’s Council meets this evening, and Mayor John Davies has said the topic will be on the agenda.
“We want to offer a full-service hospital, but as we sit here today, all that is owned is an empty building, and for us to offer all of the services possible is something that will take a commitment from the city of Martins Ferry,” explained David Croft, the attorney from Spillman Thomas & Battle that is representing East Ohio Hospital, LLC. “The city has a 1 percent income tax on the employees that will work at this hospital, and what we have asked from the city is to offer back 75 percent of those revenues for 10 years to the company so a full-service facility can once again be in the city of Martins Ferry.
“If that would be the decision the city officials make, then bringing this hospital back to what it was once and beyond becomes a realistic dream,” he said. “The birthing center, radiology, the infrastructure, and the utilities, all of it needs a lot of work before any of this can take place, but it will take that sort of commitment from the community.”
Dark and Empty
It is an odd sight to see the empty parking lots, zero activity, and the darkness from a building that once employed as many as 630 physicians, techs, nurses, therapists, administrators, and housing and maintenance personnel as recently as 2018.
Since the closures of EORH and OVMC, crowds and resulting delays have become the realities for thousands seeking health care during the last several months.
“When I was with East Ohio Regional, we did very well because that’s what we did; we served the community, and since I have been involved with this effort, I have heard over and over again how much the residents in East Ohio need this facility back up and operating,” said COO Bernie Albertini. “It was like a family there, and the patients could feel that, and they want it back.
“This region is under-bedded right now, and that is based on the statistics that have been compiled since East Ohio Regional was closed in October,” he explained. “So, the need is definitely there, and we’re going to do what we can do to offer as many services as we can, but we’re hoping the community steps up to help us make that happen. It’s important that we get this right, and that’s why we do not yet have a date for the re-opening.”
There are beds that were left behind by the former operator, but not much else remains. Ventilators, lab systems, radiology equipment, and so much more will have to be purchased and delivered. Plus, the boilers, chillers, plumbing, and electric systems all will need replaced or overhauled prior to a possible celebration.
“We’re talking millions of dollars,” Albertini said. “Dr. Johnson, though, is ready to move forward with the right partnerships.”
ASAP
Dark equals zilch.
A re-opened medical facility equals additional revenue flowing to the coffers of the city of Martins Ferry. Seems simple enough, and Mayor Davis told LEDE News in an article released yesterday that he and his council members understand the potential of the proposal offered by East Ohio Hospital, LLC.
“What we need now is a decision from the city of Martins Ferry to make a commitment concerning the income tax contribution back to the hospital because then we can go to the state and federal lawmakers and show them that this is an effort everyone is involved with and wants to see become what it can become,” Croft said. “If I can tell those folks that the city of Martins Ferry has skin in the game because they believe in this project, then I am confident we can move forward with Dr. John Johnson’s goal to provide a full-service medical facility.
“The best part of all of this is that it will not cost the city of Martins Ferry a single dollar because the city is not receiving a dime from this dark building right now. With what is on the table, they stand to make additional revenue and also have a hospital return to their community. It’s really a win-win,” he added. “There is so much more work that needs to get done, but it’s all possible if good decisions are made.”
