As Springfield Medical Care Systems has been reeling with shaky finances and high-level staff departures, its board sought to assure the governor this week that it’s doing what it can to put the health care provider in stable condition.
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Failure of fiscal oversight
Patrick Connelly
Chester, Vt.
Like most people in our community I am concerned with the current situation surrounding Springfield Hospital’s finances and administration. I am extremely concerned by a clear lack of leadership by the hospital’s board of directors, especially the lack of leadership shown by George Lamb, chair of the SMCS board. Whether the lack of leadership is due to indifference, a lack of understanding of the situation, or malfeasance, the result is the same — our community is in jeopardy of losing its hospital and Mr. Lamb and the board bear responsibility for the current situation.
A board of directors primary responsibility is fiscal oversight and there is no doubt that the hospital board has failed miserably in this role.
Mr. Lamb was well known as one of Mr. Ford’s most ardent supporters during his time as CEO, despite repeated reports about Mr. Ford’s lack of leadership and concerns raised by staff and vendors about the hospital’s financial situation; as well as the fact that in every year except one of Mr. Ford’s leadership the hospital posted operating losses. How can Mr. Lamb remain as a member of the Springfield Medical Care System board in good conscience, never mind its chair?
The time for excuses is long past, now is the time for answers. Sadly, the current board seems unable or unwilling to provide the answers the hospital and the community deserve. I urge each the hospital board members to do the right thing and resign to allow for new leadership and oversight.
www.vnews.com
Failure of fiscal oversight
Patrick Connelly
Chester, Vt.
Like most people in our community I am concerned with the current situation surrounding Springfield Hospital’s finances and administration. I am extremely concerned by a clear lack of leadership by the hospital’s board of directors, especially the lack of leadership shown by George Lamb, chair of the SMCS board. Whether the lack of leadership is due to indifference, a lack of understanding of the situation, or malfeasance, the result is the same — our community is in jeopardy of losing its hospital and Mr. Lamb and the board bear responsibility for the current situation.
A board of directors primary responsibility is fiscal oversight and there is no doubt that the hospital board has failed miserably in this role.
Mr. Lamb was well known as one of Mr. Ford’s most ardent supporters during his time as CEO, despite repeated reports about Mr. Ford’s lack of leadership and concerns raised by staff and vendors about the hospital’s financial situation; as well as the fact that in every year except one of Mr. Ford’s leadership the hospital posted operating losses. How can Mr. Lamb remain as a member of the Springfield Medical Care System board in good conscience, never mind its chair?
The time for excuses is long past, now is the time for answers. Sadly, the current board seems unable or unwilling to provide the answers the hospital and the community deserve. I urge each the hospital board members to do the right thing and resign to allow for new leadership and oversight.
I don't mention to the BOARD OF SMCS, I go to the source of SMCS: Doctors to the nurses and employees; I waited for DAYS, not hours. I demand for simple requested for MY personal MEDICAL information, my doctor said,"Why?" Now, I know of reporters and news of SPRINGFIELD HOSPITAL CEO resigned last month of a FINANCIAL LOSS.
ReplyDeleteI shall never under about PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL "HOSPITAL"; That is my life and DEATH!
Poorly composed, but I heartily agree. Problems are never exclusively at the top, they eventually make their way down to the rank-and-file. Whether it's hiring poorly trained staff to save money, or hiring people of questionable ethics to make money. It only takes a few bad apples to spoil the barrel, and I've met a few at SMCS.
DeleteApparently the books are going through a in depth audit.
ReplyDeleteBalancing the books is only one element of healthcare. Quality and quantity of services should take precedent, but often doesn't. Having worked in healthcare, I can say that most people would be shocked at what can happen, even when finances are "in order." I believe some deeper digging will be required at SMCS.
DeleteI just got a check from the hospital, dated last spring (18). Apparently the insurance company paid and I paid so I have been refunded!! Better late than never, guess an audit showed the "mistake".
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