Old Colony Memorial JORDAN HOSPITAL State to hold public hearing on proposed hospital merger By Rich Harbert Posted Sep 07, 2013 @ 06:00 AM The future of Jordan Hospital will be up for discussion next week when the State Department of Public Health opens a public hearing on the hospital’s proposed acquisition by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The hearing begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston. Officials from unions representing Jordan Hospital nurses and healthcare workers will testify. The general public is invited to comment as well. Both the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) and Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union have strong concerns about the proposed union of the two hospitals. Both unions are hopeful that BIDMC can use its vast resources to infuse fresh life into Jordan Hospital, which has faced financial challenges in recent years. Both groups also fear BIDMC could use Jordan Hospital as a feeder for more expensive programs at the Boston campus and will gut programs in the community hospital in the process. 199SEIU Vice President Jerry Fishbein expects to voice concerns about the sale and its potential impact on Jordan Hospital’s long-term sustainability. In an advance copy of his planned remarks released Thursday, Fishbein cites specific concerns with Jordan Hospital’s local control, job security, training and long-term viability Fishbein cites concerns that the proposed merger agreement removes decision-making power from the Jordan board, noting that BIDMC directors can remove a Jordan board member, transfer Jordan assets to BIDMC, dissolve clinical departments or programs or even close the hospital. Fishbein would also raise concerns about seemingly contradicting statements from officials at the two hospitals about whether Jordan Hospital jobs will be maintained after the sale. Fishbein cites concerns that Steward’s 2011 acquisition of Morton Hospital in Taunton included a specific offer of employment to all Morton workers in good standing at the time. “We demand the same assurances, and call on BIDMC to commit not to lay off workers, and to extend employment offers to all current Jordan Hospital workers,” Fishbein’s proposed remarks state. Fishbein also raises concerns about the continuation of training programs for workers and questions BIDMC’s commitment to keeping the hospital open. Under the proposed agreement, BIDMC commits to keeping Jordan Hospital open for at least five years, but could close the hospital beginning four years after the merger if Jordan and affiliates post 3 percent operating losses for the fiscal year Fishbein notes that Steward agreed to maintain Morton Hospital for 10 years with provisions for shutting down after eight years if certain conditions were not me “Plymouth area community members deserve no less of a commitment to its hospital than Taunton received in the Morton Hospital sale,” Fishbein’s remarks state. MNA Spokesman David Schildmeier said local nurses can be expected to voice similar concerns at the hearing. “Our main concern is that this is a vital community asset and our concern is that the integrity of the hospital is maintained and that there is a guarantee this will remain a full-service community hospital,” Schildmeier said, noting the 10-year assurance included in the Morton Hospital deal. “The danger is that they will come in and use Jordan as a feeder to their programs in Boston.” Like Fishbein, Schildmeier expressed great hope that BIDMC’s acquisition of Jordan Hospital could be a positive move for the hospital and the community. “On the plus side, Beth Israel Deaconess is one of the richest facilities in the state, so they have the resources to help a struggling hospital that’s not able to make it on its own,” Schildmeier said. “We’re hoping the trend that’s been going on for years of cutbacks in staffing will be reversed with the merger.” Jordan Hospital spokesman Christopher Smalley said the hospital looks forward to the Department of Public Health process and presenting at Tuesday’s hearing. “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a world-renowned academic medical institution and our joining the BIDMC family is a wonderful opportunity for Jordan Hospital and those we serve in the community,” Smalley said The general public is invited to attend and speak at Tuesday’s hearing. The hearing opens at 2 p.m. at the Indian Pond Country Club at 60 Country Club Way in Kingsto The Department of Public Health will also accept written comments through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Written comments should be sent to the Department of Public Health, Determination of Need Program, 99 Chauncy St. 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02111. The state’s public health council will meet to vote on the proposed merger at some point after the public hearing, but a spokesman said there is no timetable for that to happen.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 15:43:43 +0000
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