Writer says that Merger will not be of benefit

John R. Pauswinski
Published: April 8, 2008

Editor’s note: This letter is being run again because the word “hospital” was inadvertently left off the letter printed in Tuesday’s paper. I take exception to several assertions concerning the proposed sale of Prince William Hospital. I practiced medicine from 1970 to 2002 in Manassas.

I am currently licensed in Virginia and am active in the medical community.

I am an active member of the Virginia Medical Society, Prince William County Medical Society and the Virginia Academy of Family Physicians. I know what is going on in the medical community.

This merger is not necessary and will not benefit the community. It is more about empire building on the part of Prince William Health Systems and Inova.
Inova is not giving us $230 million without having done extensive calculations that it will make a profit with this endeavor. More services will generate more business and higher fees can be charged with
a virtual monopoly on health care services.

I dispute that more physicians are needed.

A cardiac cath lab is not needed and would not be in the best interests of patients.

PWH had a cath lab in the past and it did not work out because if any cardiac splints were necessary the patients had to be transferred to Fairfax Hospital and be recathed where a surgical cardiac
team was available.

Until PWHS convinces the community that it will clearly benefit and not be the loser, no merger should have even been seriously considered.

Remember Prince William Hospital is a community hospital.

Please be involved in this major concern for our community. Health care is nothing to sneeze at.

PWHS and Inova have hired high-powered law firms to attempt to push their agendas. They are delaying the work of the Federal Trade Commission by not filing requested documents in a timely
manner. 

You can contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-202-326-2180.

Please investigate this proposed merger before we lose our beloved hospital.

JOHN R. PAUSWINSKI

Board certified family physician

Former member of Prince William Hospital