The state will likely have to be involved in a long-term solution for the Prince George’s County Hospital system, according to some of the county’s state legislators.
“It doesn’t have to involve the state necessarily financially, but it would be difficult for the county” without state money, said Del. Barbara Frush, D-District 21. “… I think there would be a lot of programs that would be impacted without state support.”
“It’s a Prince George’s hospital, but it’s also a regional hospital, and the state has an obligation to be involved,” said Del. James Proctor, D-District 27A. “But it can’t force the council and the county executive.”
On April 9, before the conclusion of the General Assembly session, County Executive Jack Johnson and the state reached an agreement to save the hospital system, but the council refused to approve the eight-year, $329 million deal.
“They have to come to the state if they want state help,” Proctor said.
The legislators made their comments while attending the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce’s State Legislative Reception this week.
“I know that we’ll probably be dealing with this again when the General Assembly goes back into session in January, but [the county’s funding pledge] has given time,” saidFrush, who chairs the county’s delegation. “I don’t know what we can do much different next session.”
On April 18, the county announced it would fund Prince George’s County Hospital system through June 2008. It is reviewing cash-flow projections from Dimensions Healthcare before determining how much it will provide. Dimensions runs the county-owned system.
“I can’t say we will come up with a better deal, and I don’t even know if the same deal will be available to us,” said Del. Tawanna Gaines, D-District 22.
On Tuesday, the council approved an initial $9 million infusion for the hospital system at Johnson’s request. According to Johnson spokesman John Erzen, the county wired Dimensions $5 million Tuesday and will provide the remainder before June 30.
