Asheville Citizen-Times: Mission Hospitals and doctors work on ‘strained relations’

7 Comments

1. 

   sideline observer August 21, 2009

   Please reference the "old nurse" comment on Renfro’s appearance on Wed. TV. This is an add-on to hers, but relevant to the issue. It appears there too.

   I think "old Nurse" and her commentary were too kind. Worse than Renfro’s poorly projected image was his total lack of unprofessionalism and poor judgement where business ethics are concerned when he defended JD. The job of a board chair is to administrate in the best interest of an organization and also in this case, the community (It’s a 501c3, folks). There is a fact finding committee apointed by him due to report back to the board (not December) September 15th. He is presuming innocence in spite of all that has been stated by insider. His defense aliented both the physicians and those board members not already predisposed to backing JD (he’s stacked this board just as he did in in his last position.), as well as spooking some of the docs that were originally in supporty of ensuring major administration changes. As such, he is perceived as being pro-Joe.
   The problems that have been cited in the now almost 30 subjects on Ashevegas are (unlike many blog sites) all reflective of the reality of what has been going on there since 2005 (JD took a year to be nice to lay the groundwork for what was to come. Again, check out his past). If the board fails to act after the facts have ben verified, they are simply not acting in the best interest of the community. As has been pointed out, CMC is 2 hours away and poised to step in unless Missions changes administrations and then and pulls back together. If JD stays, the problems will reappear shortly. He’s a control person. Check out his past and compare that to what you have read.. There will be no alternative but to let CMC take over because the board, having been unable to face the realities of the current situation will become a rubber stamp for JD. When that happens, Missions will no longer be a "locally run" hospital, and will have to submit a large percentage of its profit to CMC. (Yes Virginia, contrary to JD’s claims, the hoispital is very profitable.)
   The prior board knew what was happening, but chose to ignore it. Local media has chosen not to get involved (until recently, and the jury is still out on the TV station. They’re in a precariious position). The few "leaders" in the community that might have made a difference were either complicit or chose to be an observer (See Elie Weisel on "observer" means.) The problem is compounded by the fact that those who know cannot speak out because of JD and his henchmen’s vindictive actions. No one wants to lose a job.
   A letter was circulated inviting anyone interested to call the hospital and ask for Jackie Popp to make an appointment with Bob Moore, the chair of the fact-finding committee. They have guaranteed there will be no recriminations. I urge all with direct experience and knowledge of what has been going on to do so. If you don’t you will reap what you sow.
   As for the board, the community is watching and a lot more knowledgeable than you think. When the dust settles, if it does not do so where Missions as it was before survives, it will be on your watch. You have lost many fine medical people. How many others will leave if JD doesn’t go? I think a lot.

   Reply
2. 

   eemilla August 21, 2009

   I look forward to MtnX series!

   Reply
3. 

   Ash August 20, 2009

   Junkie: Good questions. Let’s see – I posted the Mission Hospital documents on Monday. Today is Thursday. A little time, please.

   Cecil is not doing investigative reporting any longer, as far as I know.

   Reply
4. 

   Newspaper Junkie August 20, 2009

   When will Ashvegas himself write the authoritative article (or series of articles) for .. . .Mountain Express? . . that finally breaks this story open?

   Will someone else scoop him?

   When will the regional or national media pick this up?

   Is Cecil Bothwell still doing investigative reporting?

   Reply
5. 

   Also Ashamed August 20, 2009

   Evelyn – love your posts – but please correct the last name to Damore

   Reply
6. 

   Ash August 20, 2009

   Evelyn, I think that is a royal idea. Let me work it around a little over the weekend.

   Reply
7. 

   Evelyn Wright August 20, 2009

   Ashvegas is to be commended for putting this important story onto the front page and on air. If Mission stoops to blocking the site clearly they have something to fear from the information it provides the community. Bravo to Jason for raising the issue and providing a forum for reform and improvement of a vital public institution.

   Perhaps it’s time for an even more public forum. A meeting, out in the open, where the public can express their concerns and the hospital can answer the critics. Courage will be required for people to put on a public face but it will silence the Damone defenders who ‘don’t reply to anonymous" blog commenters. Local media will have to cover a public meeting and issues will have to be clarified.

   An Ashvegas town hall? How about it?

   Reply