University of Michigan Health System seeks $107M expansion in Wayne County
The University of Michigan Health System is looking to expand its clinical services to Wayne County by acquiring a 25-year, multimillion-dollar lease for a 100,000 square-foot building in Livonia.
The new UMHS facility will be located next to the existing U-M Livonia Center for Specialty Care.
The deal will cost at least $107 million over the course of 25 years.
Improvements on the building are set to finish during winter 2014.
The proposed facility is strategically located in the I-275 corridor and is one-half mile from the Livonia Center for Specialty Care, an existing U-M facility located on Haggerty Road.
The board of regents will vote on whether to allow UMHS to execute the lease at their monthly meeting on Thursday.
In the memo, UMHS Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs Ora Pescovitz said the health system's expansion to Wayne County is part of a "strategic plan to attract patients from outside the local market" of Livingston and Washtenaw Counties and to "improve overall market share."
The site, the memo asserts, is well-situated to accommodate future expansion.
The St. Mary Mercy hospital in Livonia currently serves the area and the closest U-M facility outside western Livonia is the Canton Health Center in nearby Canton.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
Only in A2.com discussion boards could a proposal that will mean more jobs, that will lead to the occupancy of an empty building (thereby providing revenue for the owner and for the contractors who will refurbish it, as well as jobs for the people who will do the work), and that will expand access to health care in the region be seen as a bad thing. Quite amazing, really. As for competition with Mercy Health System (St. Joe's): baloney. But, just for a second, let's assume that that is the case. If so, so what? It strikes me that a group of people who normally laud the free market, a market where winners win and losers lose, aren't being terribly "free market-ish" here. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.
Someone needs an Econ 101 refresher. Demand for medical services is rising as the baby boomers hit retirement. If supply of those services remains steady, the prices will go up. The way to reduce prices is to increase the supply. GN&GL
treetowncartel
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:11 a.m.
You must be reaching that point where your Medicare witholding is finally paying dividends;) These people are robbing us blind. The billers of the federal payor program are akin to the ladies working the chmapagne room.What happened to the days when "Doc" could come practice a little medicine, leave with a hen for Sunday dinner and a basketfull eggs, and await a favor down the road? I really can't find the definition of altruism in this article.
a2trader
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
These are our (taxpayor) dollars at work to compete with private employers like St. Joe's Ann Arbor. I have always wondered why we tax payors need to keep coughing up more money so public institutions like U of M can run over institutions like St. Joes. I am sure St. Joes Ann Arbor and Saint Mary's in Livonia are more than happy to care for patients who will go to this new building. Unfortunately, U of M probably needs to increase its market share to pay for those fancy new facilities like Mott and the Women's Hospital, or to pay for a growing faculty/medical staff. At what point do we say "Let the neighborhood providers do it at their expense instead of tax payor expense"?
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
In case you missed it, It is no longer medicine folks, now it is health care and market share. I think it high time the Hippocratic Oath is updated to reflect modern times.
Fatkitty
Mon, Jan 16, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
Uh-huh..... I recently found out that UM is relocating physicians from the Chelsea health care facility to Ann Arbor, Brighton, etc. Go figure. I would be interested in knowing WHY, and how many patients who are Chelsea residents (including retirees in Silver Maples, CRC) will now have to (a) drive to Ann Arbor or Brighton, or (b) find a new, local doctor.
quetzalcoatl
Mon, Jan 16, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
This must mean Washtenaw County is running out of sick people, which I guess is good news.
julieswhimsies
Mon, Jan 16, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
So here we go again. U of M Health Systems expands faster than the egos of the hospital's physicians. Why not concentrating some cash on improving patient care in the Main Hospital? Why are there interminable waits in the hospital's emergency room? I certainly get my bill quickly! Why not spend some money on ethical and sensitivity training on its residents? Hey! How about a free clinic? U of M has been making record profits. Why not? Surely some of those plaques on the walls would be interested in throwing in some money where it is really needed. Build, remodel, and expand, the U of M mantra.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
Yeah. Neurologists usually travel in hordes, with scary and/or bored expressions on their faces. I usually pick one of the uglier ones and stare him/her down. I've learned that if you "talk back" to any U of M Physician, they will consider you to to be "uncooperative", and may even call in Psych...which you DO not want them to do. So keep it light and utilize humor. (It doesn't work, but it's worth a try).
Sparty
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 3:29 a.m.
I agree with you there. Some of the Residents have huge Egos and definitely need better training on patient sensitivity, customer relations, etc. I've seen some go from Dr Jeckyl to Dr Hyde when their attending physician enters the room - its amazing to watch! Neurology and Surgery among the worst.