Any port in a storm is our take on where to put offices for
doctors and medical services. The battle is joined between an
effort at the DePaul Health Center in the former Saint Louise
Hospital, and one in the Morgan Hill Ranch business park.
Any port in a storm is our take on where to put offices for doctors and medical services. The battle is joined between an effort at the DePaul Health Center in the former Saint Louise Hospital, and one in the Morgan Hill Ranch business park.
One is a traditional medical center with space leased to physicians and businesses; the other is a private condominium-style arrangement where doctors and medical service businesses would own their own property – an attractive idea for those tired of paying rent.
The City Council has been counting on the efforts of the Daughters of Charity, working through O’Connor Hospital staff, to re-open doctors’ offices at the former hospital site. The facility on Cochrane Road closed in December 1999 when the hospital moved to Gilroy.
But attempts to restock the medical office building have fizzled out, partially because residents did not sign up to visit two OB/GYNs who opened offices. A new round of doctors, covering a broader spectrum of specialties, is expected soon. So far, the effort has cost the city $500,000 to back the Morgan Hill Community Health Foundation, set up to work with the Daughters.
The DePaul Center also plans to open an MRI imaging and an outpatient surgery center. So, however, does the Venture Corp. Professional Center, and sooner. Whoever opens first will likely succeed, thought there are no guarantees.
The city should endorse the change in the Conditional Use Permit that Venture Corp. needs to alter its use from light industrial to medical offices. They should fast track the project, as requested by the company, so they can make a December 2004 opening.
At the same time, we welcome the DePaul Health Center and the Daughters forging ahead with their own plans.
May the community win with more doctors and increased access to health care.
