By Sasha Weller, President, Scottsdale Firefighters Association
For the past two years, the Scottsdale Firefighters Association has consistently opposed Banner Health’s proposal to construct a new hospital in North Scottsdale. Our position remains unchanged: the healthcare needs of our community, both current and future, are already being met by existing providers. Adding another hospital would not improve care; rather, it would strain the already limited pool of medical professionals and could dilute the quality of services being offered.
Recently, a new and compelling concern has emerged: Air traffic at our Scottsdale Airport.
The Scottsdale Airport Advisory Commission voted 5–1 against Banner Health’s proposed medical campus near Hayden Road and Loop 101, citing its proximity to the Scottsdale Airport runway. The anticipated increase in emergency helicopter flights associated with the hospital would dangerously intersect with existing airport traffic, creating a serious risk to public and aviation safety.
We commend the Airport Advisory Commission for prioritizing public safety. During their public hearing, commissioners expressed deep concern about the potential hazards of congested airspace. Their decision reflects sound judgment and a commitment to protecting our community.
This risk is especially unjustifiable given that the hospital is not needed.
HonorHealth and Mayo Clinic already provide comprehensive care in North Scottsdale. HonorHealth’s Thompson Peak Medical Center is expanding with additional beds and new operating rooms over the next several years; those plans that have already received unanimous approval from the City of Scottsdale. The Thompson Peak medical campus has served our community for nearly 20 years, while HonorHealth’s Shea campus has done so for nearly 40 years. Both medical centers continue to evolve to meet, as needed, growing demand.
The Scottsdale Firefighters Association is also marking a milestone: 20 years ago, the City established its own fire department. Over the decades, we’ve proudly partnered with HonorHealth to keep Scottsdale safe and healthy.
Banner Health’s proposal fails to meaningfully improve hospital services in North Scottsdale. Rather than addressing a demonstrated community need, the initiative appears to be driven primarily by insurance interests. Crucially, the construction of additional hospitals does not equate to an increase in medical personnel. On the contrary, it risks deepening the shortage of healthcare professionals and contributing to an oversupply of hospital beds in Scottsdale—an imbalance that has been shown to drive up costs for patients without improving outcomes.
Residents have also voiced concerns about increased traffic congestion. The area is already experiencing significant growth, and the addition of a large, unnecessary hospital would only worsen the burden on local infrastructure.
We applaud the Airport Advisory Commission for its thoughtful and decisive decision. We urge the Scottsdale Planning Commission and City Council to follow suit and reject Banner Health’s proposal. Public safety, community well-being, and responsible planning must come first.
