Vitter: University Health hospitals need new partner

U.S. Sen. David Vitter said the state's 2013 decision to allow Biomedical Research Foundation to operate former Louisiana charity system hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe was a mistake and the agreement should be dissolved as soon as legally possible.

"I think there is a clear conclusion and consensus that Biomedical was a weak partner from the very beginning," Vitter, R-La., said in an interview with Louisiana Gannett on Wednesday. "Biomedical never had the sufficient capital or expertise needed to make it work to its potential."

Vitter sent a letter to LSU President F. King Alexander, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Kathy Kliebert and members this week saying as much.

But Biomedical Chairman Steve F. Skrivanos said Wednesday he believes Biomedical has been a strong partner that has improved outcomes at both University Health in Shreveport and University Health Conway in Monroe.

The LSU Medical School in Shreveport is still run by the university, although it's located at University Health.

"I don't agree with (Vitter's) position," Skrivanos said. "I think we've done a great job and are moving forward to enhance services as the safety net hospitals in northern Louisiana."

Skrivanos said Biomedical has met or exceeded all of the terms of its agreements with the state and LSU.

A statement released by Biomedical said "patient volumes are up, clinic wait times are down, operations are more efficient and financially stable and the long and factual list of accomplishments goes on and on."

At least one lawmaker, state Sen. Francis Thompson, D-Delhi, agrees, saying Biomedical "has provided more and better opportunities for health care for all our citizens."

"We don't want to do anything to interrupt that," Thompson said. "I challenge anybody to say the hospitals haven't thrived under the current partnership."

Vitter said Gov. Bobby Jindal bungled the process of privatizing the state's charity hospitals by rushing through the process.

"Almost everybody has said it was a hurried process that ended with a weak non-state partner (in northern Louisiana)," he said.

A U.S. senator's voice always carries weight, but Vitter would have a direct say in the partnership's future if he wins the governor's race. He signed his letter as a senator and gubernatorial candidate.

LSU officials haven't been pleased with the partnership, and a tug of war has emerged about whether or not Willis Knighton Health System in Shreveport would better serve the hospitals.

St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe has also been mentioned as a possible partner for University Health Conway.

"Willis-Knighton and St. Francis would be in the mix as possible natural partners, but the process shouldn't exclude any possible partner," Vitter said.

Thompson said he doesn't think "it's advisable to start dividing up the hospitals and taking away opportunities from any area. I've requested a master plan from LSU and the governor's office," Thompson said. "I've heard a lot of conversation about this, but I want to see a master plan for this change. I don't think there is one."

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