Letter to the Editor: Broadlands, Not Route 50, Is Best Site for Hospital

Thursday, January 29, 2009

As long-standing, active members of the Route 50 community, we feel the need to add some perspective to the debate over HCA's application to build a hospital in Broadlands, which is not that far from us here on Route 50.

First, we don't need a full-service hospital on Route 50 yet, especially when many health-care services are available or planned, including Inova's Dulles South Urgent Care Center, an emergency department and doctors' offices provided by HCA and outpatient services provided by Inova, Capital Hospice and HealthSouth.

This is the way it is supposed to be: multiple providers delivering health-care services to residents as they need them. Inova admitted it will take 10 years before a full-service hospital is needed on Route 50. The location in Broadlands is in the center of Loudoun County's current population and could be built now.

Second, the comprehensive plan for health-care facilities passed by the previous Board of Supervisors was done at Inova's urging while the Dulles South comprehensive plan amendment was being considered. Inova was involved in the plan with the assumption that the Dulles South comprehensive plan amendment would be approved to bring in the population. Thanks to the civic engagement of residents, that amendment failed.

Third, we question why Route 50 was the only location specifically selected. We don't recall being asked for public input regarding Route 50 as the location of choice in the health-care facilities plan. And if we didn't ask for it, who did, and why?

In our opinion, the HCA application is a land-use decision. How can we turn down a good company that will provide millions in tax revenue and hundreds of jobs while improving our road infrastructure and increasing health-care access and choice?

It's time to end the debate on the Broadlands Regional Medical Center. We say to the county supervisors, please approve this application Tuesday and keep your promise to attract businesses to Loudoun and relieve the residential tax burden.

Steve Hines, Cheryl Hutchison and Laura TeKrony, Aldie

Tagged: Broadlands, hospital, Inova Loudoun Hospital, Letter to the Editor, opinions

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