TALLAHASSEE - Despite discussions between Florida State University (FSU) and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) lasting for decades, many speakers who opposed the merger expressed concern about how quickly the discussions are moving.
Sept. 16, when a deal was announced, marked the first time the public became aware that assets would be transferred to FSU, which appears to have contributed to public dismay. As expected, many speakers aligned with the merger, citing a need for better access to medical care in North Florida. Numerous speakers cited traveling to Georgia and Gainesville for appropriate medical care.
Florida State University entrance (Photo: Florida State University website)
"When universities, hospitals, and communities work together. It doesn't just change health systems, it changes lives," Shamarial Roberson, former Deputy Secretary for the Florida Department of Health during COVID-19, said. "We can bring specialized care that will improve chronic diseases and other medical issues. We have the opportunity to bring learning, research, compassion, innovation to improve health right here in Tallahassee."
Other major universities in Florida, including the University of Florida in Gainesville and the University of South Florida in Tampa, both have university hospitals. Jacksonville is also home to a UF hospital, leaving North Florida without access to strong or specialized healthcare.
The lack of local treatment was noted by multiple speakers.
"I had to travel nearly 300 miles to demand for specialized treatment," Kendall Williams said.
Despite the documented desire for improved healthcare, many raised questions and concerns, including who will run the hospital.
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital aerial view (Photo: Tallahassee Memorial Hospital website)
"The more I sat back and watched and read, the more I think we are moving way too fast," Anne Billing Meyer said. "And I have to ask myself, who is driving this bus?"
State oversight has been a repetitive topic of discussion for speakers who oppose the merger. Meyer cited a recently proposed bill that would attempt to force universities to pay homage to the late Charlie Kirk as a reason to distrust the governor's office. Meyer also mentioned recent DEI and book updates and removals.
Meyer's comments shed light on multiple issues, including the transparency and inclusion the teaching hospital may lack and who will run it. A national healthcare shortage combined with healthcare workers leaving Florida threatens the sustainability of the hospital.
According to a WUSF Public Media article, there is a shortage of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners (mental health), licensed psychologists, and clinical social workers, with over a thousand more workers needed.
Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce (Photo: Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce interactive map)
Despite the shortage improving from prior years, needs remain unmet and do not appear to accommodate the requirements for a teaching hospital.
One public commenter believes the city is skipping steps.
"There's a official city policy that it's over $300,000 you have to have two independent state certified appraisers to prepare an estimate of the value of the real estate," Bill Davis said. "I haven't heard of independent estimate of value is supposed to be two."
Davis's comment cites Tallahassee Real Estate Policy No. 136, which can be found on Tallahassee's city website. As Davis claims, city acquisitions with a value over $300,000 must undergo two independent appraisals. No one who spoke commented on the matter. The 200,000-square-foot hospital should warrant the independent appraisals according to the policy, but the public has not been made aware thus far.
The process is not over, and the commissioners have not approved a transaction, much less is one ready to be put into action.
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