Council Chair Exum Makes Opening Remarks During Council Press Conference on Hospital Situation

Members of this County Council live here in Prince George's County.  We are taxpayers. We understand the need to provide for our families.  And when we get sick, we are patients seeking quality healthcare.  We share the concern of citizens, workers, and patients about the hospital system.

Since most of us were elected in 2002, we have been fully supportive of a comprehensive approach to provide quality healthcare.

We provided the hospital system with a cash infusion in excess of $50 million, an unprecedented funding commitment by any County or the State of Maryland. 

Contrary to what has been stated, the County does not own the hospital system.  It is owned by Dimensions, a private non-profit corporation, which is incapable of operating properly under the current State regulatory framework.

The County has no legal obligation to fund the hospital system, but we are willing to discuss additional contributions to ensure a viable healthcare delivery system.

We cannot and will not authorize additional County funds unless it achieves the goal of a comprehensive long term solution.

We were pleased for the opportunity to offer our opinion on the State proposal to save the hospital system.

Unfortunately, the proposed "deal" did not accomplish the goal and the attempt to rush it at the last second left too many unanswered questions, putting County taxpayers at risk, and compromising our ability to adequately fund schools and public safety. 

The proposal also placed an undue burden on County residents with respect to land and assets.

Prince George's County citizens are entitled to a healthy, complete and detailed decision making process, especially in the case of this hospital situation, with such broad and long term impact.

We continue to be open to dialogue and explore all available options for the best possible healthcare situation.