Letter: Barton Hospital Relocation

This is my comment on Mr. Seth Dallop's Opinion piece about Barton Hospital's relocation plans.

The recent discussions surrounding the relocation of Barton Health to Stateline, Nevada, deserve closer scrutiny. While the intent to build a new hospital campus may initially seem beneficial, it is important to examine the broader implications for South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding communities.

The closure and sale of the Lakeside Casino more than two years ago marked the beginning of this transition. However, attributing the decision to move Barton facilities to “regulatory overreach” by California agencies is a misrepresentation. Just this October, California extended the retrofit deadline by three years, and the current hospital at the existing campus does not require immediate seismic upgrades. This weakens claims that California’s regulations are a primary factor in the relocation.

Relocating Barton’s operations to Nevada undoubtedly presents advantages for the organization, including reduced salaries, avoidance of California’s mandated patient-to-nurse ratios, and the benefits of operating in a right-to-work state. However, these factors also raise serious concerns about patient care and staff well-being. In fact, the Barton Nurses Union representative highlighted these very issues during the Douglas County Planning Commission meeting in September 2024, stressing that the relocation could negatively impact both patient outcomes and employee morale.

Furthermore, the affected communities have been vocal in their opposition. Residents of Oliver Park, located adjacent to the proposed site, have expressed strong objections, as has the owner of the Dart building and 4H Drive, who would need to grant access to their private roads for Barton’s development. The proposed glass sky bridge across Highway 50 raises additional concerns about aesthetics and obstructed views.

The zoning law changes allowing building heights of up to 85 feet on both sides of Highway 50 are another contentious issue. While the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) appears to support the variance, it is now up to the Douglas County Planning Commission to decide. Residents should make their voices heard at the commission meeting on Tuesday, December 10, at 1 PM at the Minden Courthouse.

This decision is not just about a new hospital; it will shape the future of healthcare access, environmental aesthetics, and community dynamics in the region. I urge all stakeholders to critically evaluate the long-term consequences before moving forward.

Sincerely,
Betty Klein
South Lake Tahoe