Frequently Asked Questions
What will the new facility do for me and my family?
It will provide more space and 4 new features:
- Faster Assessment » Door to Nurse in 15 minutes
- Faster Time to Doctor Exam » 45%-50% faster
- Faster Discharge » In and out and home quicker
- Faster Transfer to the Hospital » More inpatient private beds on the second floor of the ER
What else will the new ER Provide?
- More capacity for a growing community
- Technology and equipment for first class care
- ER Board certified physicians
- More privacy for families and patients
- Access to SMH's comprehensive services
It will also provide
"Peace of Mind" to you and your family. No one plans to go to the ER.
You need the ER when something unexpected happens. With this expansion we will be ready when you need us.
Will the new facility help the economic development of the area?
Yes, continuing to improve healthcare in our community makes us more attractive to companies who want to locate here. Hospitals are one of the key factors that companies evaluate as they consider a location.
How much will the bond renewal cost?
There is no estimated change in the current tax rate of 7 mills.
What is the cost of 7 mills for the residential homeowner with homestead exemption?
Residential Property
Cost of Estimated 7.0 Mills |
Market Value
|
Monthly
|
Annually
|
| $75,000 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| $100,000 |
$1.46 |
$17.50 |
| $150,000 |
$4.36 |
$52.50 |
| $200,000 |
$7.29 |
$87.50 |
| $250,000 |
$10.21 |
$122.50 |
| $300,000 |
$13.13 |
$157.50 |
| $350,000 |
$16.04 |
$192.50 |
| *Owner Occupied with Homestead Exemption |
How long have homeowners in Wards 6,7,8 and 9 paid 7 mills to support the hospital?
The hospital asked homeowners to pass the initial bond election in 2003. It was approved and started in 2004. The community at that time said SMH should:
- Continue as a full service public not for profit hospital
- Compete and offer patients a choice
- Invest in healthcare technology
- Expand services as our community grows
In 2007, the community approved a bond RENEWAL to build a State of the Art Cancer Center.hat Cancer Center opened on January 27, 2011. The Center opened on time and under budget.
How did SMH invest the money before the Cancer Center?
The hospital invested in the following services:
- Expanded and upgraded diagnostic services and purchased leading edge technology for early detection of cancers, breast, heart and artery diseases.
- Built a new cardiology intensive care unit
- Built a new surgical intensive care unit
- Purchased MD Imaging to expand imaging services
- Upgraded obstetrics, gynecology and children's facilities
The hospital has used the community's investment for capital improvements that make a significant difference in healthcare services.
Does the community have access to the hospital's financial reports?
SMH's financials are transparent, posted on the website and regularly reviewed by the Board of Commissioners.
Is the hospital bound by the stated purpose of the proposition?
Yes the hospital is legally bound to use funds from the bond renewal for the purpose stated in the proposition.
How do the voters know that SMH will keep its promise and build a state-of-the-art Emergency Room?
SMH has a track record of "listening to the community and keeping its promises." The new SMH Regional Cancer Center is a testament to SMH "keeping its promises."
Will the neighborhood next to SMH have more noise and traffic?
Hospital property acts as a buffer zone between the new ER and the neighborhood. In addition 12th street is redirected and SMH will ask the opinion of experts on the best way to use ecological solutions to maintain the quality of life in the neighborhood.
Will the new facility be "green?"
SMH will investigate ecological features that could make the building as environmentally friendly as possible.
Will the new facility be adequately staffed?
Yes. Volume determines staffing levels. As more patients access the ER, staff will be in place to accommodate their needs.
Why can't other hospital ERs accommodate the growth of the community?
Patients like to go to the ER in their hospital of choice. Often their insurance demands that they go to the hospital that is in their insurance network. If they require hospital admission from an accident, serious injury, heart attack or stroke, most patients want to be treated by their own doctors who practice at SMH and where their insurance will cover their expenses. An ER is the entrance to inpatient services if they are necessary. A patient should have the option to be treated at their preferred hospital with the latest technology and board certified ER doctors.
When will the ER be completed if the Renewal is approved?
SMH expects the new facility to be opened in 2013.
Why is the new ER being proposed?
The community has said they want a new ER ( 81%) in a recent poll by Silas Lee and Associates. More space is needed to accommodate the growth in the population.
Who owns the Hospital?
The citizens who live in Wards 6,7, 8 and 9 own SMH.
The Board of Commissioners represent the owner's interests and they meet on a monthly basis to review the budget, policies and
the operations of the hospital.
SMH is a public non-for profit hospital and the administration reinvests funds from the hospital into clinical and facility improvements.
However, these funds are not sufficient to finance large capital projects like the Cancer Center and a new Emergency Room.
If the renewal is not approved will the current millage go away?
No, there will be a reduction of approximately 1 mill this year which equates to about $7.00 per year on a home valued at $145,000 which is the average value in our area.
Is any of the bond money used for operations?
No, the bond money is used for purposes for which the voters approved and these are capital improvements like the Cancer Center.
Is the hospital converting to all private beds?
Yes, the hospital is slowly converting to private beds. There is no difference in charges between private and semi-private rooms. Insurance reimburses both the same.
Will the new inpatient beds be used for a specific service?
SMH plans to use the new beds for cardiology patients.
