Hemet police group backs measure to sell Hemet Valley Medical Center to doctors

The Hemet Police Officers Association today announced its support of a ballot measure that would allow a group of doctors to buy the Hemet Valley Medical Center as part of its purchase of the assets belonging to Valley Health System.

A special election to decide the fate of Measure P is set for Dec. 15.

The measure calls for Physicians for Healthy Hospitals, which consists of more than 130 local doctors, to buy the system at more than fair market value.

The measure also calls for Catholic Healthcare West’s St. Bernardine Medical Center to develop and deliver health care services.

The system also owns Menifee Valley Medical Center and Hemet Valley Healthcare Center, as well as a medical offices building.

Currently the system is in Chapter 9 reorganization and has significant operating losses, according to the analysis of the measure by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.

Association President Dan Reinbolt said the measure only allows local doctors to buy in, keeping the health care local.

“We strongly feel it will be beneficial to the valley if Measure P passes,” Reinbolt said.

“Local doctors mean local healthcare, pride of ownership, and keeps our doctors living and practicing in the Hemet Valley.”

Opponents argue that the purchase would kill competition in the area and that the agreement forged between Physicians for Healthy Hospitals and the system only calls for keeping the hospitals open for five years, then shutting down services if they prove economically unviable.

Tags: Catholic Healthcare West's St. Bernardine Medical Center, Dan Reinbolt, Hemet Police Officers Association, Hemet Valley Healthcare Center, hemet valley medical center, Measure P, Menifee Valley Medical Center, Physicians for Healthy Hospitals, SWRNN, Valley Health System

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