Hartford Hospital/UConn Health Center merger on hold

Hartford Hospital/UConn Health Center merger
on hold
(May 2009 Issue)

By Phyllis Hanlon

In 2007 before the state's budget faced significant challenges, the University of Connecticut (UConn) proposed a partnership with Hartford-area hospitals and a new medical facility in two different locations. In light of dwindling state coffers, the plan faces an uncertain future.

After the Connecticut General Assembly rejected UConn's proposal, the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis conducted a study and determined that such a facility would make the latest in health care technology available to patients, offer first-class training for medical and dental students and create jobs.

Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D., vice president for health affairs and dean of the school of medicine at UConn, cites several reasons for pursuing this proposal. He indicates that a larger academic hospital will attract a vast array of clinicians who are academically oriented in several different specialty areas. "We would be able to conduct clinical trials and translational research," he says. "In the future, the most cutting edge treatments will come from patients enrolled in clinical trials. It's important to carry out those trials."

Additionally, the academic focus of these hospitals would enhance the education of students and residents as they work with renowned scientists and physicians, according to Laurencin.

While UConn, its faculty and students would benefit significantly from the construction of two new hospitals, the state would also reap rewards. "Since the best and the brightest [medical professionals] will be working there, it will ensure the latest evidence-based treatment is offered," says Laurencin. "This will drive innovation and bring in new corporate entities in biomedical research." Moreover, this type of advanced research draws important funding from the federal government and various foundations. "One grant may translate into 23 jobs," Laurencin says. Such a partnership will result in an increase in jobs as well, he notes.

Rumors regarding the future of the John Dempsey Hospital have also been circulating. Laurencin insists that closing Dempsey Hospital is not under consideration at this time. "It delivers the highest quality of care and has an outstanding clinical and professional staff," he says, referring to the facility as the "jewel of the region in terms of clinical and academic excellence." He admits though that a new facility is warranted for the future and indicates that now is the time to begin a dialogue "when quality of care is excellent."

Gov. M. Jodi Rell, however, disagrees with the timing or the need for a new facility. Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management analyzed the financial impact of the partnership and identified several areas of concern. The report indicates that the state would have to finance the $475 million hospital as well as the difference between the cost of fringe benefits for the similar state and non-state employees, an estimated $13 million annually. The combined fiscal burden would impose an additional $63 million in annual costs to the state budget.

Spokeswoman Donna Tommelleo says, "The Governor does believe this proposal is promising, but because of the state's serious economic situation, considers it too costly right now. She would consider revisiting it when the economy improves."

Laurencin argues that costs during the first two years of the project would be fairly low since actual construction would not begin immediately. Furthermore, he points out that the partnership and creation of hospitals on two campuses would "uplift the standing of all the hospitals." He says, "We are between Boston and New York. It's a great location to draw patients to the region."

In spite of the Governor's response, Laurencin hopes the partnership proposal will move forward and gain legislative approval by June.