Danville Register & Bee
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Danville Regional Medical Center announced Thursday that the Joint Commission has notified the hospital that it is in full compliance with all applicable standards.
The notice means that Danville Regional is now fully accredited, according to Leslie Smith, director of community relations and marketing at the hospital.
“On Aug. 23, the Joint Commission announced that the preliminary denial of accreditation had been removed and the hospital remained an accredited organization with requirements for improvement,” Smith said Thursday. “The hospital was required to submit an action plan to the accreditation committee this month, to address any remaining deficiencies. The committee met earlier this week and announced that the action plan had been accepted and all standards were in compliance.
“The acceptance of the action plan by the Joint Commission means that DRMC is now fully accredited.”
This accreditation is based on the 2007 survey and will extend through at least the beginning of 2010.
Smith said that the difference between the August accreditation and Thursday’s announcement is an important one.
“In the past, we’ve said DRMC ‘remains’ accredited,” she said. “Technically, the decision was still pending for this extended accreditation until the accreditation committee met this week. The previous accreditation noted on the Web site was a result of the 2004 survey with this now changed to the February 2007 survey.”
Smith said that, although it seems like a small change, it really is quite significant to have the accreditation finalized and official.
“This is great news for the community, and for the associates and physicians who provide care in our hospital,” Betty Jo Foster, chairman of the Danville Regional Board of Trustees, said in a news release. “This action clearly demonstrates that Danville Regional is providing great patient care and is a compliment to hospital administration and all our clinicians and care-giving staff. Danville Regional is a vital community asset, and we look forward to remaining so for a long time to come.”
Ruth McDaniel, interim chief executive officer, added, “The associates and physician staff have worked diligently for this recognition from the Joint Commission.”
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.
99 comments:
"The associates and physician staff have worked diligently for this recognition from the Joint Commission.”
No kidding Ruth .We always did, it's you and your lifepoint that is destroying everything. You all need to be gone.
If you work at DRMC each and every day, you would understand what an asset Ruth McDaniel has been to our hospital. The level of empowerment each director and manager has been given since Ruth's arrival has sky rocketed beyond what we had before she arrived. She brings a calming presence to DRMC. Unfortunately, for those of us who work at keeping a positive attitude and appreciate what Ruth brings to DRMC, her days are now limited since a CEO has been named. Her time has been valuable here, but it is time for another facility to benefit from her expertise. You can continue to slam administration or you can help us all by offering Jerel (not Jamel) Humphrey a warm welcome. He is not responsible for what has been going on here - let's not hold him responsible. I'm sure he's heard about the nightmare our hospital sale has caused all of us. I'm sure he's aware of the unrest of physicians and staff. But, he deserves to begin with a new start - and that has to come from all of us. Thank you.
Apparently the poster must be one of the "chosen ones". The rest of us have had to wait until she deemed us worthy enough of her time. The delays in getting things done has had negative impacts on us. She has not helped us at all. Stil it is nice to know that SOME people benefited from her presence. It is a shame she WOULD not do the same for us all. We can only hope that the new "O"s will be the ones we need to bring us out of the never ending bottom and not just be as good as we were before Lifepoint, but better. One can hope...
I am sure the "choosen few" are upset to know RUTHless reign is almost over. Just like the flying monkees were concerned over the demise of the and wicked witch of the west. They have been allowed to travel without consequences through the maze of daily operations and now they might need to learn a new skill besides devil worship and sipping lattes.
"If you work at DRMC each and every day, you would understand what an asset Ruth McDaniel has been to our hospital."
There are so many things wrong with this post that it is impossible to comment as it would take a blog unto itself to list all of the problems caused by her and those like her, narsicism knows no bounds.
Oh but that we had citizens such as this a few years back.
"I am passionate about the future of our local hospital. I believe that maintaining local control of our hospital is the best option for our community.
Local control of Portneuf Medical Center ensures that Bannock County residents receive the access to affordable, quality health care that they deserve and expect, driven by a governance model that is solely focused on serving the health needs of the community, not stockholders or out-of state interests.
As a professor of health care administration, I have been studying and teaching health care for over 20 years. I have been a health care manager and have experienced a wide range of health care delivery systems while living in six different states. From the dawn of managed care in Minnesota and Southern California through the rise of corporate health systems in Ohio and New York, I have seen health care move from a service to a competitive industry. I believe that I have the experience, academic insight and the practical foundation to speak with authority about the issues currently facing our community and our hospital.
I am also a member of PMC’s Board of Governors, and after a thorough review of every governance model alternative available to us following the Boise v. Frazier decision, my board member colleagues and I agreed that the best option for the citizens of Southeast Idaho was converting PMC to a local, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Today I am as confident in that recommendation as when we made it to the Bannock County Commission months ago.
During the Board of Governors’ review of each option of available governance models, the for-profit option was ultimately dismissed. Several reputable studies have shown that for-profit hospitals are more expensive and offer lower quality care than not-for-profit hospitals, and we didn’t want to put our community at risk for either of those possibilities.
Additionally, these studies showed that, compared to for-profit hospitals, not-for-profits typically provide more community-strengthening activities, such as care for the uninsured, reinvestment of profit into hospital improvements and employees, community health education, staff education, involvement with research, and other community benefits. PMC’s commitment to the citizens of Pocatello and Southeastern Idaho reinforces these findings.
While concerns about the quality and cost of health care and the ongoing contributions to our community were key considerations, the governing board also realized that there were other potential drawbacks with the for-profit governance model. All for-profit organizations, hospitals included, are focused on maximizing profit and returning an increasing value to their stockholders. There are essentially four ways that a for-profit hospital can make money to achieve these goals: increasing volume, raising prices, decreasing hospital expenses, or selling the hospital to another suitor. Let’s look at these one by one.
While it sounds great to claim that PMC will increase volume under for-profit leadership, it is important to note that PMC already provides 76.6 percent of outpatient procedures, 93.8 percent of emergency room procedures, and 88.7 percent of all inpatient procedures in our area. PMC has formidable competition for the remaining health care service opportunities in the area from HCA-owned Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and Bingham Memorial. These hospitals are not simply going to hand over their patients and procedures to PMC because of a for-profit status change. Let me reassure you, PMC’s board and administration pay very close attention to market penetration and have been working hard to increase market share. Just because a hospital is for-profit does not mean it can suddenly and simply increase market share with a snap of its fingers.
Next, let’s look at the motivations that a for-profit would have to raise prices. While a hospital can set any price it wants for its services, insurance providers and third party payers negotiate in advance the amounts they will pay for services regardless of governing model or tax status. Converting to a for-profit facility will not change the amount of reimbursement from these sources. What might change, however, is the amount of out-of-pocket expenses passed on to patients. Studies show that for-profit hospitals charge higher prices than non-profits: for a quick validation of this, just check the prices up at EIRMC.
The bottom line is this: for-profits have to ensure ever-increasing value to their stockholders and will raise prices to accomplish this. Because the for-profit will only receive the pre-negotiated reimbursement from insurance providers, the increased difference will be passed along to patients.
An additional element to consider is the number of uninsured citizens in Southeast Idaho, which totals approximately 19 percent of the population. PMC works closely with every uninsured patient it serves to find an available program or source of payment for each of them. Even with these efforts, many patients simply cannot pay for their care at PMC. Each month the Governing Board of PMC approves $1.5 million in bad debt for charges that patients cannot or will not pay. In your heart of hearts, can you imagine an out-of-state, for-profit company simply giving away $1.5 million each month to help our local citizens? I can’t either.
What about decreasing hospital expenses? PMC already belongs to one of the nation’s largest health care purchasing organizations, much larger than most for-profits' purchasing affiliations, so it is hard to imagine how transitioning to for-profit status would decrease the cost of materials and supplies.
Even if a for-profit has comparable purchasing power to PMC’s current arrangement, one of the primary ways that many for-profit hospitals cut expenses isn’t just by paying less for materials and supplies. Instead, for-profit structures limit the purchasing of materials and supplies to only a few brands or product lines, regardless of what the physicians' or clinicians' preference is for treating patients. Personally, I wouldn’t want someone halfway across the country deciding what kinds of sutures or medications my physician can use on me. Would you?
But when it comes to truly shaving expenses, everyone knows that the biggest expense in any organization is personnel. The most efficient way a for-profit could decrease expenses would be to cut staffing. Incidentally, PMC runs a little high in personnel compared to national standards. We are deeply aware that we are one of the largest employers in the community and that if we lay off employees it harms us, the employees, their families and the community. There is no doubt in our minds as to who should come first: PMC serves the community, not stockholders. It is hard to imagine that a for-profit organization, with its home base in another state, would willingly employ more people than it “should†because of its concern for Pocatello.
Lastly, let’s think about what would happen to health care in Southeast Idaho if PMC were to be sold and resold, over and over again, which is extremely likely if we go for-profit. Research suggests that once a small community hospital losses its local control to a for-profit hospital chain, the hospital or its parent company can be sold as many as 3-4 times in a 10-year period. Many in our community still have lingering concerns about the merging of PRMC and BRMC and nearly everyone has passionate feelings about the governance structure questions currently before us.
Remember that wherever you stand on the merger and current governance discussion, because control is local, citizens’ voices are considered and heard. Whether or not you agree with the decisions, these choices are ultimately made by local leaders and members of the community. If PMC is sold and resold, control will become more and more remote, and local concerns can fall on deaf ears with distant owners.
Considering this extensive list of concerns and the negative impact that a for-profit governance structure could have on PMC, its patients, its employees and our community, the Board of Governors determined that this option wasn’t in the best interests of our fellow citizens. Frankly, only the people who live here and are committed to our community can make the best long-term decision for the future governance status of PMC and the health care needs of Bannock County. I take my role as a member of PMC’s Board of Governors very seriously, and my responsibility as your neighbor is equally important to me. As both a PMC governing board member and an informed citizen, I sincerely believe that 501(c)(3) is the best option for Portneuf Medical Center.
In closing, I urge you to keep informed and let your voice be heard so that the best decision is made for the future of Portneuf Medical Center and the health care needs of our community.
Dr. Carla Wiggins is professor and chair of health care administration at Idaho State University. She is vice chair of the Portneuf Medical Center Governing Board and is a member of the PMC Foundation Board and Campaign Cabinet.
How 'bout we not past a freaking article on this blog. Very irrelavant in the long-run. The posts above that one were debating something local...not worrying about something in Idaho that will never impact Danville.
"not worrying about something in Idaho that will never impact Danville."
The stupidity that was avoided at the above hospital is very relevant to Danville . The lack of forsight and thought by the fab 5 is what led us into this hell.
Had they any common sense they would have investigated the repercussions as the above post did , Danville needs to return DRMC to Danville and run lifepoint OUT OF TOWN.
What a great article. Too bad this did not appear 3 years ago when it was announced that the DRMC board was looking to sell the hospital. Maybe it would have had an impact on the decision.
What Brought That Up?!
"How 'bout we not past a freaking article on this blog. Very irrelavant in the long-run. The posts above that one were debating something local...not worrying about something in Idaho that will never impact Danville."
Uh...yeah...kinda like we didn't need to worry about what was happening outside the city limits of Danville in the textile industry...it would never affect us here in our little corner of the world.
Or like the hospitals years ago that chose to ignore what was happening in California related to managed care...that'll certainly never impact us here.
Wake up.
"You can continue to slam administration or you can help us all by offering Jerel (not Jamel) Humphrey a warm welcome. He is not responsible for what has been going on here - let's not hold him responsible. I'm sure he's heard about the nightmare our hospital sale has caused all of us. I'm sure he's aware of the unrest of physicians and staff. But, he deserves to begin with a new start - and that has to come from all of us. "
Exactly.
What's the deal on Dixie Doss? Anyone know the facts?
No, it's "Jemel," according to the newspaper. "Jemmy" to his friends.
"He is not responsible for what has been going on here "
Totally NOT responsible
"But, he deserves to begin with a new start -" Absolutely
"I'm sure he's heard about the nightmare our hospital sale has caused all of us."
There in lies the rub.
Why anyone would want to come into this mess, for any reason, other than a huge sum of money, is Highly questionable, best of luck to him , I give him a year 2.5 tops.
How about we let him get into his job and meet him before we pass judgments and place bets on his longetivity at DRMC.
Don't think the above was passing judgement seems as just an educated guess based on the contemptuous history bred by lifepoint.
Which is exactly why we shouldn't pass judgment because he may be the difference. Let's give him the chance first.
I see it this way he could be the best CEO but the hospital is controlled by Lifepoint. They are the ones who will call the shots. I don't think anyone can lay blame on him but the track record for the company he works for is the pits. I truly hope Lifepoint will give him room to work and turn things around. From what we have seen in the past I will have to agree with the above statement.I give him 2 years before his is looking for an out.
Again, don't pass judgment on a man who hasn't stepped foot to put his diplomas on the walls in his office.
No one gave the Diplomas that save lives everyday a chance. There are more nursing degrees, business degrees and experience in in general in DRMC than the whole of lifepoint , they don't listen we've tried and continue to try, they don't listen . God bless the man I also give him 1-2 years.
Why are you getting disgruntled over a simple statement? You are probably the reason that we are in the state we are in. No one, and I mean no one, wants to bring the hospital out of the slump, even if it is affiliated with Lifepoint. Sadly, Lifepoint is here to stay and we are going to have NOT fall apart anymore.
What a bunch of losers. While you're debating the potential tenure of the next CEO,at least you could get his name right: Mr. Jerel Humphrey.
If that's all those supposed diplomas and business degrees get you, lord help us all at DRMC.
Funny, I am fully aware that his name is Jerel. Is this YOUR contribution is to get his name right?
Nope...just helping out one of the less enlighted above:
sentinel event said...
"You can continue to slam administration or you can help us all by offering Jerel (not Jamel) Humphrey a warm welcome.
Anonymous said...
No, it's "Jemel," according to the newspaper. "Jemmy" to his friends.
Well, if you ask me, I'd say its like trying to sugar coat an already too fattened piece of pie. Should we just put on a fake smile when some of the united states continuously get CONned? I mean is this a rule of reasoning that is found in true intelligence? Or is it just corporate pick pocketing? Some folks just don't have pockets that deep, so they just sit around and do zippo. I know its sad but just guess who encouraged that activity during its original introduction, and then once your an addict to the behavior, you feel like a peice of meat sitting in the middle of two peices of bread. The very ones who said "Do it", decide to point their fingers like you're a unpardoned sin or something. Talk about throwing stones without looking into your own mirror first. Well, it all makes me feel a little Young and Restless to tell you the truth. I'm so glad I've got a son that supports who I am, and loves me no matter what. One of these days he'll lead this nation with the sweat of his brow, and compassion of heart to speak the truth, and do what's right for all the citizens. He's just that kind of guy.
I whole heartedly agree with C2IT poster above, and sincerely hope he can follow the yellow brick road to correct all the aspects involved. I'll even go with ya if that's what it takes. I'm sick of getting CONned into my healthcare choices. But if you've got the courage it takes to fix it all, I'd be happy to stand in support. I don't carry really big slingshots but I've been known to have really good aim! Sure beats this tornado of circumstances that has gotten us here. You know, we could probably help fix hearts, and show everyone how to find their brains while we're at it.
After all, don't we all deserve the safety of a loving home and country? A home that supports family, character, truth, integrity, that counteracts the results of greed and unecessary pain? I think we can get there! I know we can!
???????????????????????????
What the hell kind of code was that? Who's applying for a CON?
Is it true the hospital census is only 30 patients? Heard this in the community today.
"Is it true the hospital census is only 30 patients? Heard this in the community today."
Not that I am aware of; where I work it is at it's normal capacity.
Simple question. When our troops are away at war....where is their money kept?
Has nothing to do with this blog or DRMC.
It sure as hell DOES have something to do with this blog, and some of you know what! Also, the guy's name is Jemel because the neswspaper said so. You have to believe the newspaper over the hospital!
Great News. There is a lot of good happening from all this! From what I hear some are coming clean now! There's more getting ready to do their thing also! Everyone who's aware of the positive impact this is having, is stepping up to the plate with some impressive information, and getting some things done. Ya know though, I've heard they could still use a little more input.
Well, the paper did say his name is Jemel and that he's called Jemmy, so what's wrong with that? Some old family names are unusual.
"Simple question. When our troops are away at war....where is their money kept?"
how does this have anything to do with the state of the hospital.?
"There is a lot of good happening from all this! From what I hear some are coming clean ..."
And what's that all about?
It's simply someone who's scared to post facts vs. rumor or conjecture and above all, scared to use their name. Too bad we have to scroll through this crap to read legitimate posts.
Why should we waste our time in the Jerel vs. Jemel posts when it's just absurd BS. This is just another glaring example of Danville and DRMC's finest (or more accurately: Worst)
Hate to say this SE, but it looks like this blog is nearing the end of its useful life. Not much credibility...not much activity that would even qualify as useful. Thanks for your work over the past year to provide this forum. I'm convinced it served a good purpose.
Sincerely,
An avid reader and poster.
I agree; the purpose of this blog has changed and become nothing more than useless.
DRMC(a good facility)
Rest in peace 2005
State of the Hospital
Rest in Peace 2007
Annie Penns New Big (staffed) ER isn't far from opening
And Eden's new ER is open and staffed.
They said "thanks for the business lifepoint ." when we spoke with the staff.
We understand they are keeping tabs on how many Danville residents are coming to these facilities and it's aLOT.
"Hate to say this SE, but it looks like this blog is nearing the end of its useful life. "
I hate to say it, but I have to agree with you. I've struggled with the direction of the blog for several months now. It seems at times that there is absolutely no value here...just a bunch of us yammering among ourselves with no substance or contribution.
Then, some piece of helpful news emerges or a really thoughtful post appears and it restores my confidence in the blog as a way to discuss what is happening at our hospital and in our community.
Then, there's no new news...and we return to mindless chatter ...derogatory at some times and irrelevant at others.
So...what do we do?
Declare the old gray mare dead and put her out of her misery?
Never!
This blog must be standing ready.
Lifepoint has only begun its desstruction of our community, and without a newspaper, this will be the only source for news and dsicussion.
I think you should muddle along.
In the end. these people will delf-destruct, as will the creeps who brought this misery to our community.
What if we switch to a truly bold new frontier and at least use first names (with the exception of SE.)?
From here on would that ensure only useful commentary ?
We do need the blog for If we lose by attrition we have done exactly what lifepoint had planned all along , "Get 'em scared and get 'em tired and they'll give in "
ANONYMOUS,thank you for being the first to use your given name.
Vince
There we go ! just didn't want to be first,
Jay
Interestingly DRMC has just put this blog off limits on its computers. This is now a restricted site!
I see today that Lifepoint's earnings tanked again this month. The creep running the place stated: "Our intense, company-wide focus on growing market share and managing costs is bearing fruit."
He used to refer to low-hanging fruit. This is Progress!
--Will
We need a straight answer. Is Heart Center of the Piedmont functioning at DRMC. Is it safe? I heard that Duke University dropped DRMC, but I can't find the truth about that. The DRNMC website still has stuff on the Heart Center, but they also still have dead and gone doctors on their web page. I don't think you can trust the web page.
Can someone help us?
Thank you.
Dr. McCann is the heart surgeon that works at DRMC and is employed by Duke. He still gets heart coverage through Duke. He is still operating as a few days ago. However, January 1st Dr. McCann will no longer be here. I consider the ICU (where his patients stay while recovering from heart surgery)the best unit at DRMC. They have the more seasoned nurses that take care of his patients. They have numerous letters of commendation because of their superior patient care.
Hope this helps.
--Warren
I would like to say Thank You for all whom have read this blog, and taken the action necessary. I would also like to ask "How badly should we crucify the victim here? We could crucify them to the point that they cannot speak, or listen, or walk, or have feelings anymore?" We could force them into being invisible to the point they cannot stand and have a life of their own.
What you must understand, sympathetically, is all have sinned, and all are forgiven. What YOU must also understand is we can all dance, we can all sing, we can all hope, we can all speak, we can all think, we can all learn, we can all laugh, we can all strive for a better tomorrow! But if we pierce the delivery of good news, we will shut the mouths of those who try. If we mis-interpret the signs and the signals to the point of confusion, we see mixed signals and could become deaf and blind. If we go to the mirror, and do not see ourselves, we saw nothing that we could not have found if we tried inside our own person, our own feelings, our own truths, if you will. If we find TMI without looking into our own hearts first, then what have we accomplished? If we didn't understand the question and ripped apart the messenger in trying to attain it; was there a question? Was it in me? Was it in You?
We should also realize that when you throw stones at someone, they might have a larger stone to throw back and they may speak it someday. But overall, what have YOU learned? Sometimes, many-or a few-signals are too many unless you look into your own soul accurately. If you need an interpreter, look into your own heart of hearts, see if perhaps IT is there. If you have received subtle warnings in what you have learned, then should you run with it, and still allow others to do the same, or should you knock down a worthy message? Most of all though, state your own questions clearly if there is a valid question to ask. If you truly care about yourself and others, always be bold in what you know to be the truth. If you judge others, judge yourself the same way. Use your own talents and find them, if you saw someone else who did it, or shared it, or gave it away. Compare all that you have learned, attained, declared, researched, and found, and then decide if you can deal with it first, then speak it or change it. Walk your walk too.
YOU can multiply your way through it, you can DIVIDE your way through it, you can add or subtract from it, or you can dance your way through it. If you LOVE who YOU are, then LOVE in your best way also, and allow others to do the same as they can.
However overall, if YOU have seen, and YOU have heard, but you did nothing and forced others to do the same....what is gained in the end. Did anything change for good? Did we attain anything of value? Did we rob someone else to get it? Did we toss them around to figure it all out for self, or how they acheived it, and killed them trying to do so, was it worth it? Did we get anything, then?
If we cannot move without being entangled, was it worth killing a wonderful spider web to risk being bitten by it's venom? If your force a very large lion into a hole, she might come out biting harder than you can imagine. Do you really want to throw stones at the messengers now?
Ask yourself this question. How much do YOU want of what is inside of YOU also? What can YOU do about it, what can YOU say about it? Now that is good news, right...left...or centered. Inside out, outside in, upside down, and right side up. Find it in yourself. Do your best, in what is important enough to YOU. LEARN to set your own GOALS very HIGH, for YOURSELF. Allow those YOU.. LOVE to do the same. Can YOU.... LOVE... that... MUCH? Give back in what YOU have been given also. Don't expect miracles in others that YOU could not find in YOUR self. Please understand everyone needs their own space, without intrusion, or unfair judgements. But be willing to speak up when needed for others. Allow others to speak up when they need to also. If you can listen, then be prepared to absorb what you have heard or learned also. Respect each other, and yourself. Be ready to laugh at yourself, if you laugh at others. Sometimes there is a lot of pain to share.... or to stop. Ask this.....What did I and you want when we began? Was I willing to step in it, or through it, to find it? Was I willing to change it? What price will it take? Can you afford it also? Can WE make it together? Apart? Of course we can if WE all make adjustments of some nature. Are WE responsible enough to do this? The answer.....is it WE? Can WE make it? Surely WE will. God smiles at us in many ways. Does He smile at You also? Do You talk to Him, does He listen to You also? Am I God? Of course not. Are You? Am I Christ or Anti-Christ? Of course not. But is there a little bit of both in us all at times? How much of each is in each of us all? I don't want to judge that. Judge yourself. Judge what you can do about it, and how. Take your own steps in all of it. Then tell anyone you want to tell about it. It's ok with me, if you don't, or if you do. I sincerely pray you do the same.
Who am I? Well, who are you too?
My eyes are tired.
Jeff
Brilliant.
--Will
I cannot believe someone wrote that much about nothing. I fell asleep twice trying to finish reading it.
--Warren
Uh....yeah....wow.
I too search for relevancy in this blog. I have one for you. If you wonder what working as middle management in this organization is really like like. Please read the Dilbert comic strip today 10/27/07 in the paper. That has been my life since RUTHless arrived. Forgive me if I do not add my name in the end.
Check it out:
http://www.healthgrades.com/consumer/index.cfm?fuseaction=mod&modtype=hospitals&modact=hospitals_search_results&prodtype=hosprat&state=VA&city=&maparea=187&proc=BYP&tabset=current&hgid=&useragree=yes
I am sorry that did not go over as a link that easily connects. But go to healthgrades.com and choose "research hospitals" click on virginia and then click Roanoke/lynchburg area. You can then choose specific procedures and diagnoses. Look at the mortality rates etc for Danville. We are competing against 3 and four star hospitals. We get our one star almost consitently. Look at CABG and hear attacks. JCAHO accreditation does not fully tell you the picture and they do not want you to see this information. Do the research before you makke the decision it just might save your life.
Some of us are still bridled, you see, in more than one way. Actually, in several ways if you were to really understand it. We have to dance and sing carefully, due to care and compassion for our families, etc.
Sometimes also miraculous things are expected quickly by many. I think that the answers are going to be a joint effort through step by step processes by many also.
If you really think about it, we've all allowed things to get to where they are....perhaps we got a little too relaxed, and unobservant and yes, even uncaring if it didn't affect us directly. Perhaps, this is a national problem to a certain degree.
Perhaps it will be a national effort of involvement and awareness to correct. There is an element of grass roots efforts that will have to be strong to completely balance the needs, as well as quality communication of all involved. There needs to be effective collaboration with integrity at every level to unify the entire system to become most effective. This includes the involvement at every level. Additionally, there is groundwork that needs to be done to evolve the hopeful outcome. Things cannot remain in a tug of war and achieve much progress. Progression will happen with more harmony, and through the efforts of those voices and efforts.
To heck with harmony there is no harmony everytime lifepoint threatens our jobs and oh yes they are at it again .Progressive punishment for ........basically everything . God forbid you do your job or not , progressive punishment.......
I have an idea Hey lifepoint maybe you could progressively punish yourself and get out of town as you are obviously NOT a medical care corporation.
I did go to the website and you forgot to mention that DRMC did very well in some categories. It seems that you only want to mention the negative but not the good. Why are so many people on this blog determined to tear down the hospital instead of trying to make it a better place. Life point is here so get over it. I am not a Lifepoint person, just am employee trying to make the best of what we have now. Every day lately I hear of patients that have been to Moses Cone, Duke, or Wake Forest and are back at DRMC because the grass (care) was not better on the other side.
Word has it yet another high profile physician is about to leave. Any truth to this?
Why are so many people on this blog determined to tear down the hospital instead of trying to make it a better place. Life point is here so get over it."
If you accept what has happened you will always end up with less than what you can have .
Danville has a long history of "making nice" and it has gotten nowhere. As for WFUBMC and DUMC and MHC being less green pasture There is no possible way that this is a true statement. We have spoken ,recently with many employees of these facilities and with minor exceptions the work environment is exponentially better than what the employees at DRMC are being subjected to.
The denied breaks the increased and unsafe patient load all since the curse of the lifepoint .
As for the care , all of the patient surveys and accolades of the previous facilities cannot be disputed along with the Trauma ratings of these facilities , DRMC has NO trauma rating.
These are the hospitals patients are transferred to for care because DRMC ,especially under (and I do mean under) lifepoint cannot afford them the standard of care that these facilities can .
"Word has it yet another high profile physician is about to leave."
We've already lost 6 major surgeons, who's next?
Didn't realize DRMC had "high profile" physicians.
There are a few that are/were nationally recognized.
name one
Dr. Max Levine, for one. He keeps a low profile and is top vascular surgeon. You can read about him on the DRMC website.
Dr Levine has been gone from DRMC for some time now.
Where did Dr. Levine go? Why did he leave?
Disagreements with lifepoint ,
just like all of the other MD's that have gone and are leaving.
Max "The Axe" Levine left under less than favorable circumstances due to some less than acceptable medical practices.
LifePoint Hospitals 3Q Profit Declines
Associated Press 10.26.07, 7:05 AM ET
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - LifePoint Hospitals Inc. said late Thursday its third-quarter profit declined 19 percent on a loss from discontinued operations and increased costs, but the results managed to top Wall Street's expectations.
The hospital operator said net income slipped to $28.2 million, or 49 cents per share, from $34.9 million, or 62 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
Income from continuing operations dropped to $31.6 million, or 55 cents per share, from $34 million, or 60 cents per share.
Analysts predicted earnings of 52 cents per share, according to a Thomson Financial survey.
The current period's results included a $3.4 million loss from discontinued operations compared with a $900,000 gain in the prior year.
Total costs increased to $601.7 million from $569.4 million, with salaries and benefits rising to $260.1 million from $247.7 million.
Revenue for the quarter rose to $656.2 million, up 5 percent from $627.3 million in the previous year.
The results surpassed Wall Street's estimate of $652.6 million.
Profits rose 5%
Salaries and benefits nearly 10%
Dr. Levine is truly missed by the people that worked with him. He is a kind and caring man that only wanted the best for his patients. If that has anything to do with the reason for his departure more power to him!
What is sad is that most of the blogs posted on here are posted by hospital physicians who are taking cheap shots at their colleagues. It is funny how MDs make comments at work then the comments suddenly appear on here. Or that instead of doing work they know the latest and greatest blogs that are posted.
Thank you DRMC for blocking this site on hospital computers! Now certain MD's can get some work done instead of posting inside info on their colleagues.
blocked on comps!
1984
Couldn't stiffle or sway opinion in public so use militant tactics, the lifepoint way.
Dr Freifeld in the pain clinic is nationaly recognized. He had a big award earlier in the year and is involved with all sorts of national stuff going to give talks all the time. Don't know what I'd do if he leaves. He actually talks to his patients
Amazing. The blog goes off the hospital web and the activity dwindles. Boo Hoo.
--Warren
lifepoints plan, win by atrition due to low quality practices.
All part of Lifepoints plan. Wait people out in time they will forget / give in. In time we will be happy with less and it's happening. Many around here do not care what happens to DRMC while it's under control of lifepoint. they have moved on to pime care and other Hospitals. I hate to see the money go out of town but eather way it will not stay local.
Staff is not the only problem the patient equipmet is old and not properly cared for, I know this as fact. Before we had six Biomedical personal(patient equipment repair group). I would have trusted these folks with my life, and many of you have and never knew it. Years of know how gone now only two of them remain the department cut to on three workers sold out to third party looking after the profit not the equipment.
One thing is for sure this blog for good or bad is a deep thorn in Lifepoints side proven by the fact they are now blocking it.
With regard to the above: "So...what do we do? Declare the old gray mare dead and put her out of her misery?" and "Never! This blog must be standing ready." . . .
Agreed that this blog must be standing ready.
But how about also using the blog to post more and specific news from the surrounding facilities? -- To educate us continually regarding our choices, and to compare and contrast with LifePoint's Danville offerings and non-offerings?
There are more than 2 of the original BioMEd employees at DRMC. I don't their name but I know faces.
If this blog reaches its demise, LifePoint will be very pleased. So, please don't let it happen. I agree there have been some not so pleasant postings, and there has been obvious competing of hospital staff, but those of us who are in the community and not in the hospital really do need the input of this blog. Overall, it is no question there are still good people working in the hospital, but LifePoint has taken its toll on everyone there; employees as well as patients. It is so frightening to think how many patients have passed through the hospital, not receiving needed quality of care, not because those giving care are incapable, but because there are not enough of them to give the care that should be given. I sometimes think the people who can or could give quality of care are so tired, they just go through the motions. This is too bad when you had skilled and loyal staff. Also, I have seen new nursing staff struggling because they did not have the appropriate and adequate support to help them through their unskilled, learning years. Please don't let this blog fail. The community, whether everyone believes it, needs the input this provides.
There are only two, it was three but one left last month. From what I have herd he went to Moses Cone. Out of the six one left when life point took over. Then Life point sold the Biomed department to a third party service group. They in turn moved one to Martinsville, fired another one I herd he is also now with Cone. With the one that just left thats four gone only leaving two.
BioMed sounds like Dr. Moore's department. How many of the original are still there?? With the Moore LifePoint combination, many have fled! When will they flee?
What happened in HR????
This blog will pick up after the elections ar eover. People are still concerned about the state of the hospital and the employees. There has been little news and the hospital blocking access to this site is a perfect example of the effect it has had. They don't like it and have attempted to eliminate it. Sad isn't it?
How could anyone with an ounce of integrity continue to support the deceptiveness bred by LPNT.
What's going on there? I've had four calls for RN references this week. Thought things had settled down?
Is it true K.Segura was terminated Monday?
YES!! No more K. Segura (and I am not sad about it!)
Why was K. Segura terminated?
Received propoganda from the daily delegate stupidity mail factory.
Where was he, or any other delegate, when DRMC was being prostituted out to Johnpoint?
Over the weekend I had a small accident which looked bad at first and the Danville hospital emergency room flashed before my eyes. I realized I didn't want to go there. But I didn't know which other place to go. As it turned out I didn't need it. But what if I had?
Has anybody made up a list of where best to go for what emergency situation? Is it somewhere on this blog?
The hospital was never a governmental facility and was never under the control of any governmental body ... city, state or federal! No mayor, delegate, senator or other could have stopped the sale or can change anything with the hospital is wrong. The attorney genera's review of the sale was even a formaility.
Now, it IS possible for government to pass laws that would have an impact. For instance, government could pass a law mandating minimum staffing levels for patients. That could have a negative impact to other area hospitals and I would NOT want to see that.
HIS NAME IS JEREL HUMPHREY TO ALL YOU IGNORANT PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO ARGUE BY SAYING ITS "JAMEL" you are going to feel like the BIGGEST DUMBASS when the idiot who sent the newspaper the WRONG name corrects it to the RIGHT one.
Who cares what his name is , He's still lifepoint.
So typical of this blog and why it's really of little relevance anymore.
Yeah, government could pass staffing laws....wait a minute, they already have...in California...and it hasn't helped aimprove care one bit.
Well, I tell you this place will need a major overhaul. I have defended this place to the hilt until my own mother was put in ICU and then 3B. ICU was OK, but 3B really disappointed me.
Oh and by the way the mortality rate in the Cali. hospitals has dropped due to adequate staffing laws. So much so that 8 other states are actively passing such laws.
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