Medical community support for Memorial nonprofit plan growing

The support for Memorial Health System’s efforts to become an independent nonprofit system is growing in the medical community.

Earlier this week, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services announced their support of the plan. Today, Colorado Springs Health Partners and Mountain View Medical Group also said they supported the proposal. The two are the Pikes Peak region’s largest physician groups.

“In the current health care environment, the non-profit status will better position Memorial to deliver care to our residents in a timely and efficient manner,” said Karen Childs, president of Mountain View Medical Group.

The Colorado Springs City Council appointed a nine-member commission earlier this year to explore options for the hospital system’s future. The commission, led by chairman Bob Lally, recommended the city create an independent nonprofit system. Voters have the final say, and the city council is working to put the issue on the ballot during April’s municipal election.

The two groups are working with both Memorial Health Systems and Centura-Penrose St. Francis Health Systems to address components of the health care reform act passed by the federal government in early 2010.

Lawrence P. Zyskowski, MD and President of the Colorado Springs Health Partners Board echoed Dr. Childs’ response: “As the health care community collaborates to deliver truly coordinated care, Memorial Health System will be better able to maneuver through projected changes as an independent not-for-profit entity.”

Both physician practices also expressed their approval of the community governance structure proposed.

Comments are closed.