Dive Brief:
- A group of organized citizens is appealing Massachusetts' approval of a $1 billion expansion by Boston Children’s Hospital, the Boston Business Journal reported.
- The Anne Gamble Ten Taxpayer Group filed their appeal with the Health Facilities Appeals Board following the October 20 project approval.
- The group argues the expansion would destroy the Prouty Garden, where children often rest or recuperate during their hospital stays, and where at least two children’s ashes have been spread.
Dive Insight:
The appeal takes issue with the hospital's entire approach to the expansion project, arguing not only that it would destroy the garden, but that it is unnecessary and was improperly proposed.
The opponents said the hospital failed to disclose alternatives and that the approval of the project leaves loopholes that would allow Boston Children's to avoid penalties even if the project increases healthcare costs.
Apart from the appeal to the state, the group has also filed a lawsuit to try to stop the project.
“As we have said for many months, the state’s review of the Determination of Need application is fatally flawed -- it is factually inadequate, biased and concludes, unequivocally, that the hospital is not needed to serve Massachusetts patients,” said the group's attorney in a prepared statement. “Our appeal is designed to stop this massive and unnecessary construction project, which will increase healthcare costs, reduce competition, and wipe out an essential natural, historic and human resource that has brought solace to thousands of patients, families and staff at Boston Children’s Hospital.”
Meanwhile, Boston Children’s has reiterated its need for the project in order to meet demand for care, and argued approval was granted because it demonstrated that need.
Hospital expansions have recently been championed by HHS, which provided a total of more than $260 million in funding this year to 290 health centers. Last year, it provided $150 million to 160 health centers for building and renovations. The support was provided under the assumption that hospitals would need to increase capacity to meet rising demand as a result of the increase in health coverage across the U.S. under the ACA, though that now stands in question as the emerging Trump administration determines its course come 2017.