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Butler Hospital
relocation considered
(February
2008 Issue)
By Phyllis Hanlon
Butler Hospital, the only private, non-profit psychiatric and substance
abuse hospital in Rhode Island, sits on a tree-lined boulevard on
the outskirts of Providence. Founded in 1844 and designed by Frederick
Law Olmstead, this beautiful, historic institution also sits at
the center of controversy revolving around its possible relocation
and the repercussions of a proposed merger.
While the facility's exterior garners praise, Patricia Recupero,
J.D., M.D., president and CEO of Butler Hospital, envisions some
internal changes that focus on a state-of-the-art brain science
unit. Affiliated with the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown
University, Butler has helped bring first-class scientists and technology
into Rhode Island. The hospital would like to take this partnership
with the university one step further. "It's quite likely that Brown
will build an academic building close to Rhode Island Hospital and
begin to create a true academic medical center," she says. "Our
goal is to become nationally/internationally known for women's health,
behavioral health and medical/surgical capabilities."
Butler is currently part of the Care New England Health System,
which is involved in a proposed merger with Lifespan. The two entities
have initiated discussions about relocating the hospital, which
would further the vision of creating a true medical center of excellence
for Rhode Island, according to Recupero. Rhode Island Hospital,
along with Miriam Hospital, founded Lifespan, which is R.I.'s first
health system, in 1994.
However, the realization of such a move requires significant financial
investment. "Butler Hospital resources are minimal, compared to
the value of the land on which we sit," Recupero says.
While the sale of the hospital would generate the necessary funds,
other options remain on the table. "We will continue to evaluate
the advantages/disadvantages of the sale of the campus," Recupero
says. "Our board is actively working on identifying strategies to
keep us flexible. We're in study mode, not in action mode."
According to Recupero, a new facility would simultaneously benefit
the hospital and address the needs of the patient. "The partnership
between Rhode Island Hospital and Butler Hospital would be enhanced
and continuity of care would be better if we didn't have to shuttle
people between the hospitals. The ability to care for patients would
be on the forefront if all care was given in one facility." Although
patients currently receive medical attention at both Butler and
Rhode Island Hospitals, the distance between facilities complicates
efficient service. Should the hospital property be sold, Recupero
anticipates a "lease back for a significant period of years." She
says, "It would take at least four years to get approval."
Although Recupero says that the Butler Hospital board of directors
is "excited, energized and focused on academic development," one
member expresses some concerns.
Lewis P. Lipsitt, Ph.D., professor of psychology, medical science
and human development and founder of the Child Study Center at Brown
University, is deeply committed to keeping the hospital in its current
location. He emphasizes the aesthetic influence of the Butler campus
in the healing process as well as its ideal geographic position.
Lipsitt contends that moving Butler next to Rhode Island Hospital
would place it in a "congested area downtown."
Lipsitt acknowledges that Butler is "on the cusp of some important
discoveries" regarding brain disease and its treatment, but feels
the move to a larger facility is unnecessary. "At least 95 percent
of psychiatric patients don't need special brain intervention."
He suggests designating a "Butler Hospital Two" for "the walking
worried," those with moderate illness who benefit more from psychological
intervention rather than psychopharmacology.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved the proposed merger
between Care New England Health System and Lifespan in December.
The possibility of re-locating Butler is now contingent on state
approval, although "the merger doesn't mandate we move," says Recupero.
Whether or not the merger gets the nod from state regulators, Butler
will actively pursue changes to its existing campus, she adds.
As far as the proposed merger is concerned, Lipsitt sees merit
to the arrangement. "I am personally convinced it is a good idea.
It will be a conglomerate of seven hospitals. My hope is that it
will be a way to achieve economic efficiency."
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