Abstract

Is anybody out there really impressed by the nature of the public-private partnerships in healthcare to date? Sure, a few examples come to mind; for instance, outsourcing of food services, innovative financing for equipment, or perhaps even disease management programs with pharmaceutical companies are real partnerships. But, then there are the "naming" opportunities for large donations, "gourmet" coffee carts, in-house franchised restaurants, or even newly renovated and "upscaled" gift shops. It seems that some hospital lobbies have become entertainment and consumer marketplaces rivaling even the West Edmonton Mall. What's next, a foundation-run casino complete with video lottery terminals? (My fee for that idea is a mere 1%.)