The Harris Well being Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a decision calling for the acquisition of land to help the critically wanted growth of Harris Well being Ben Taub Hospital.
Ben Taub Hospital has been constantly working at and past its 402-bed capability, and the necessity for its healthcare providers is anticipated to develop at a speedy tempo within the coming months. With cuts to federal Medicaid funding and insurance coverage subsidies for lower-income people who buy insurance coverage by means of the Market, 1000’s extra Texans will lose protection and their entry to healthcare. Moreover, as a result of Harris County’s present and projected inhabitants progress, the hospital expects demand to develop by as a lot as 18,000 emergency visits over the following 10 years, requiring further mattress capability.
The $410 million growth challenge so as to add roughly 100 critically wanted affected person rooms to the hospital is funded by Harris Well being’s $2.5 billion bond that was overwhelmingly accredited by Harris County voters in 2023.
The Board approved the administration and authorized counsel of Harris Well being to take all crucial actions to pursue the acquisition of three parcels of land inside Hermann Park however separated from it by Cambridge Avenue and consisting of roughly 8.9 acres by eminent area, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 26, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code and in accordance with Part 281.050 of the Texas Well being and Security Code and all different relevant authorized necessities.
“I’m grateful our board has taken this necessary first step to maneuver the dialogue ahead to help the way forward for public healthcare in our group,” says Harris Well being President and CEO, Esmaeil Porsa, MD. “On the similar time, I wish to be clear that that is solely the start of a prolonged multi-step course of, which can embrace notification of all property curiosity holders, together with all holders of a reversionary curiosity in these parcels, in line with statutory necessities. And, as required by Texas legislation, all curiosity holders might be paid the honest market worth of their pursuits, as decided throughout the eminent area course of.
“We’re dedicated to additional dialogue with all stakeholders, together with Metropolis of Houston, Hermann Park Conservancy, and the Houston Zoo to attain an strategy that advantages Houstonians for years to come back.”
Harris Well being has loved robust vocal help for this proposal, as indicated within the connected letters from leaders from the Texas Medical Heart, The Metropolitan Group (TMO), the Harris Well being Strategic Fund, and the HCHD Basis.
To study extra in regards to the vital public want behind this motion, go to harrishealth.org.
