Keep the conversation civil
Susan G. Fowler, Emporia
Originally published 02:04 p.m., May 15, 2008
Updated 02:04 p.m., May 15, 2008
I agree with Pat Kelley’s assessment of what should happen following Jim Barnett’s statement regarding Newman Regional Health (NRH) and its relationship with local doctors (“The Doctor and the Hospital,” April 28), but would broaden the conversation to include community members. The hospital board appears to dismiss allegations of serious problems (“Hospital Board Has Its Say,” 5/1/08) which makes it all the more critical that citizens of Lyon County should have a say in proving (or disproving) Barnett’s allegations.
It is interesting to note the rush to defend NRH without stopping to think that Dr. Barnett’s statements could be the best thing to happen to it in a long time. Years ago, I took a leadership course at ESU taught by then-Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer. He was fond of saying, “Good is the enemy of better.” If we think our agency is doing “good enough” there is no incentive to improve. If “good enough” is causing patients to seek treatment out of town or doctors to avoid Emporia, then it has become a problem. When confronted with criticism, we should be able to respond this way: “Thank you, tell me more.” And we should be willing to make changes. After reading the board’s response I have to wonder if they are capable of doing the really hard work of listening to criticism and change management practices to overcome deficiencies. They say they are “kept informed of many issues” — by whom, and in what context? I can appreciate their responsibility to the hospital’s bottom line, but they seem unaware that the one most citizens care about is not the hospital’s budget but the quality of health care delivered to Lyon County citizens. Please. Can’t we have a civil conversation for the public good?
eiggohp (anonymous) says...
I think it should be "three cheers" for Dr. Barnett's statements that have brought a long over-due situation to light. It is about time someone had the courage to stand up for the patients who doctor here in Emporia. Newman's would be in worse shape than they already are if we all start to travel out of town for our medical care. The administrators are move interested in making money and spending more on non-essential things,than making theirselves aware of what is REALLY happening at the hospital~~
I do realize that there are good nurses who truly do care about the patients, but too many of them would rather eat and chat at the nurses station than attend to the call buttons!
May 15, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gardenman (anonymous) says...
In regard to the hospital/doctor situation in Emporia, you had
a fine surgical hospital staffed by some of the best doctors
and nurses available and you fooled around and let it "get
away".
May 17, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clueless (anonymous) says...
In regards to gardenman,,there are also fine outstanding nurses at NRH,I only saw 2 who were sitting at the nurses desk "chatting" while all the others were answering call lights and tending to their patients.But I know it only takes 1 or 2 to "spoil" the entire bunch. So my hat goes off to the "other" nurses on 2nd floor for their caring and committment .Keep up the good work,you are needed and appreciated!!!!!
May 18, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
gardenman...this was an investment in a businmess to make a profit (nothing wrong with that). Like many start up companies, it just did not produce enough revenue to make a profit and pay off the loan.
May 18, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )