By Sasha Weller, President, Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association

Why is the Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association opposing Banner Health’s proposed new hospital and helipad near Hayden and the Loop 101? The short answer is quality healthcare is dependent on healthy hospitals. North Scottsdale already has great medical care. An unneeded hospital puts that quality care in jeopardy.

As president of the Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association, I understand the problems that come with a shortage of medical professionals and support staff. Arizona is in the bottom 10 in the United States when it comes to the number of nurses per capita, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says Arizona is short more than 650 primary care physicians. Banner’s proposed hospital near Hayden and the 101 would exacerbate the problem… read more >