STATEMENT FROM WALT MICKENS, PRESIDENT & CEO, QUEEN OF THE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

"We are always concerned with the issue of rising health care costs. But comparing a hospital with a free-standing facility is an apples-to-oranges comparison. Unlike free-standing facilities with fixed hours and a limited, narrow scope of services, hospitals provide life-saving services such as, in our case, trauma care, and are staffed 24 hours, seven days a week. In addition, hospitals care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

As a nonprofit, faith-based hospital, we offer generous Patient Financial Assistance which helps patients overcome hardships they may face in paying their bills. Last year, we provided $13 million in financial assistance to patients.

We also remain committed to advocating for systems and structures that keep health care costs down and ensure quality services for all, especially for the most vulnerable in our community."