THIS WEEK, The Gazette has run six articles related to Newman Regional Health and allegations made by Dr. Jim Barnett about the running of the hospital. Have all of the issues been addressed?
No.
The allegations are based on subjective observation and can’t be verified with information that is available to the public.
But several things have become clear:
Changes at Newman are a reflection of the changes taking place in medical care around the country. Hospitals that do not react to those changes do not survive long.
The changes can strain the relationship between doctors and hospitals. While the goal for both — the best care for the patients — remains the same, altered work rules, treatment protocols and government regulations and reimbursements cause friction that is not productive. The doctors and the hospital management should talk — and listen — to each other more.
If that happens, the fuss kicked up by Barnett will have been worth it.
Patrick S. Kelley
Editorial Page Editor