Another physician letter
Once again at the recent Board Meeting, they received a hand-written letter from one of our surgeons who has actively practiced at Floyd for more than 20 years. He voiced his concerns and discontent with the current situation at Floyd.
Rather than address the concerns and deal with the issues, they basically shot down the messenger referring to him as someone who is always displeased and never happy. It is a little hard to believe since he has been loyal for more than 20 years.
This now makes more than a dozen or more active medical staff members who have tried to inform the Board of problems and issues. Each time, the messenger is labeled as a troublemaker or worse. The Board makes no attempt to discuss the issues with the persons involved and allows the Administration to continue its manipulative behavior and its routine disinformation campaign.
Some Board members are extremely frustrated while others could care less about the problems. Some appear to just want to maintain their status as Board members and not really provide oversight and fiduciary management as listed in the bylaws. If they really dealt with problems, it would lead to conflict with the CEO, and that is unacceptable to some.
Meanwhile, we continue to watch more and more physicians taking their elective work elsewhere and continue to watch the decline in the financial markers.
Rather than address the concerns and deal with the issues, they basically shot down the messenger referring to him as someone who is always displeased and never happy. It is a little hard to believe since he has been loyal for more than 20 years.
This now makes more than a dozen or more active medical staff members who have tried to inform the Board of problems and issues. Each time, the messenger is labeled as a troublemaker or worse. The Board makes no attempt to discuss the issues with the persons involved and allows the Administration to continue its manipulative behavior and its routine disinformation campaign.
Some Board members are extremely frustrated while others could care less about the problems. Some appear to just want to maintain their status as Board members and not really provide oversight and fiduciary management as listed in the bylaws. If they really dealt with problems, it would lead to conflict with the CEO, and that is unacceptable to some.
Meanwhile, we continue to watch more and more physicians taking their elective work elsewhere and continue to watch the decline in the financial markers.
posted by Anonymous at 6:20 AM
32 Comments:
Your wrote:
"He voiced his concerns and discontent with the current situation at Floyd."
What was the nature of his complaint and what, in your opinion, should the board have done in response to it?
He reportedly had voiced complaints about various issues related to surgery, nursing care and administration.
I believe that with as many comments and letters the Board has received from physicians, and the continual decline in revenue, outpatient procedures and other issues, the board should be setting up some private meetings with physicians to discuss the concerns and possible solutions.
The administration is obviously not addressing the issues in a manner that is satisfying physicians and it is the Boards responsibility.
But by doing that, they may actually have to deal with the fact that administration is the problem.
If administration is obviously not addressing the problems then they are only hurting the hospital.The board members need to wake up before its too late.If some board members are upset with the problem,then they need to grow some gonads and speak up.
I guess the board rather lose their patients to another hospital.
Don't forget that Harrison is building a new hospital.I'm sure they would love the business from Floyd surgeons and listen to their concerns.
Whoa there HB!
"He 'REPORTEDLY' had voiced complaints about various issues related to surgery, nursing care and administration."???
This is SO typical of your practice of sharing half-truths, innuendo, and extrapolation and disguising them as "absolute truth."
You are calling into question the integrity of the board and you either don't know or won't disclose what was actually in the letter so that your readers can judge whether the board acted appropriately or not. For all we know the complaint concerned menu selections in the cafeteria or the music played during surgeries.
It is very hard for me to believe that hospital administration, the hospital board and the county commisioners are all engaged in a vast conspiracy to ruin the hospital. On the contrary, I belive these are all good people doing what they believe is best for our community. Disagreeing with some of their decisons is one thing, but characterizing them as evil in some way is nothing but childish playground trash talking. A person in your position should be above that kind of immaturity.
Why won't the board come to the employees for their thoughts or opinions? If the board would listen to the peons maybe things would be better.
As far a Harrison County taking business from Floyd, please. Even if they are building a new hospital their services would not even compare to Floyd. For example, if some gets injured or sick while at Caesar's they automatically come to Floyd. Any fracture, chest pain etc. also comes to Floyd. Harrison's MDs do not want to deal with it.
Hey anonymous,
Why don't you tell the readers how you know this to be a half truth.
I try to not give too many specifics to protect individuals and to not display "all the dirty laundry".
That would not be helpful although it could be done.
I believe that it says something about Floyd administration that so many of us must post "Anonymous" responses for fear of retaliation for having opinions. Thank you for speaking for so many of us who cannot risk the punishment awaiting those who disagree.
You wrote:
"Why don't you tell the readers how you know this to be a half truth."
I don't know if it is a "half truth" or a "quarter truth" or any truth at all. I just recognize your pattern of taking something out of context and making up a story around it. Either tell us what it was about or don't use it.
Frankly, in making your points, your standard of "proof" would embarrass the most ardent Creationists.
I not only read the letter, I also spoke directly to the surgeon who wrote the letter.
The statements are accurate.
This surgeon has never been characterized by being difficult to get along with. In fact, he is known for how easy going he is.
The Board never even sent him an acknowledgement or a response to the letter.
These are poor choices that continue to harm relationships with the people who bring revenue into Floyd
What was in the letter? You are starting to sound very "McCarthy-like". It is if you are saying: "I have access to a damning letter but I am not going to tell you what is in it...you will just have to trust me." Come on!
The letter brought up concerns about the new ER, understaffing, delays in treatment, quality of patient care, Operating Room issues and administration not caring.
That is your interpretation.
Let's see the text so we know what was specifically said. You brought this up, you need to justify your characterization of the contents.
I don't know what is going on over at Floyd and have only scanned the articles written here but my experience back in Mar/April was this:
1) I went to have a test run for my gallbladder. The person who administered the test was on the phone with someone above them in rank complaining how they were overbooking for things like stress tests and that they could not safely monitor the patients any longer unless they received help. The test lasted about 45 minutes and the person was on the phone most of that time trying to get through to the person on the other end who appeared to not want to hear what they had to say or do anything about it. (something to do with the opening of the new cardia unit)
2) I ended up having to have surgery. The pre op nurses were nice but pointed fingers at the department who was supposed to take my lab work and didn't and tried several times to stick me unsuccessfully to draw blood, come to find out they did not look to see that my bloodwork had in fact been does a couple days before. The nurse who was trying to stick me apologized but the other nurse wanted to bad mouth the lab departement.
3) When I awoke from surgery (outpatient) the nurse was just plain mean and rude. You could tell she wanted me out of there.
4) My surgeon and other supporting nurses were all very nice. I could just really tell there was conflict at the hospital.
I have had 2 other surgeries this year over at Norton Surburban/Dupont area.....not one complaint. Totally different experience.
A patient.
What the surgeon said ARE truths. There are not enough nurses and staff to go around and many are not willing to apply at Floyd any longer. At one time Floyd was the premier place to work because they took care of their staff thus creating longevity. The staff even voted Floyd as one of the best places to work in Indiana, but if that same survey was done today and staff could do it in confidentiality without fear of retaliation, then Floyd would fall from the top of the mountain. With fewer staff and larger case loads patients don't always get the needed care and things get overlooked. True the administration, trustees, and county commissioners may be "good" people, but they are not thinking when it comes to quality care because they've never been on the "frontlines" giving it. They won't listen to the surgeon, the staff, or even the public because they are afraid of the truth and sometimes the truth hurts. You may be the greatest artist in the world, but without a canvas, paint and a brush you are nothing. Floyd staff need the tools and resources to provide quality service. Those tools and resources come in the form of more staff, the restoring of incentives, public believing in Floyd again, and administration, trustees and commissioners that care.
How do you know "WHAT" the surgeon said in his letter. Dr. (Only I can be trusted with the contents) Dan won't share the text with us so we don't really know what was in the letter or what an appropriate response should have been (if different than what did occur). Typical "partial facts" posting by HB.
Why don't you ask administration to share the letter with employees and allow them to read it.
What are they afraid of?
I did not give all of the specifics because of some of the personal responses.
The critics here are again trying to condemn the messenger rather than being open and fixing the problems. Why don't these critics come out of their hidden identities and show us who they are.
I continue to be open and willing to take these anonymous attacks. Who really has the integrity here?
The hospital didn't bring up the issue of the letter, you dide.
Sorry, HB but with your obvious personal agenda, I don't think you can be trusted to accurately describe the nature of that letter. You said the board didn't respond to it and I am guessing there is a good reason for that since these are reasonable people. There has to be more to it than you let on. You made this an issue by bringing it up as another condemnation of hospital administration. Now either print it or drop the accusation.
You keep trying to get away with these sweeping accusations based on partial facts and I think you need to be a little more devoted to the entire truth rather than just the pieces that support your predetermined conclusions.
and obviously with your comments (anonymously)you are entitled to any kind of respect.
You either are or represent the administration in some fashion and trying to divert the blame. Tell us your identity. I'll ask the surgeon if he still has a copy of the letter he sent and if he would mind it being posted. It was handwritten and therefore I am not sure he kept a copy. The hospital certainly won't allow it to be posted. (I wonder why that would be)
My last year on the board, we agreed to a resolution that any letter that came to the Board would have a personal response back to the individual by the Board.
This has not happened in this situation and again shows a total lack of respect by those in charge.
I believe that HB has hit the nail on the head. The anonymous person that is so critical must be part of the administration. Like I said earlier, the truth sometimes hurts and this particular person is feeling the pain that HB is dishing out. I choose to remain anonymous because I am on the inside trying to find ways to make Floyd a better place. I am proud of "Dr. Dan" and what he represents.
Regarding: "Like I said earlier, the truth sometimes hurts"
Just what "truth" is that? Dr. Dan's unsubstantiated description of this secret letter or the actual letter? Who knows since his "spin" is all we have to go on.
And, based on his last response,I am starting to understand some of HB's desire for "accountability." We now know that the "letter" was handwritten and that the writer may not have a copy of it. Now I would think that if letters to the board are a matter of public record, then it would be easy enough to obtain and publish. On the other hand, if such letters are supposed to be held in confidence by the board, then just how did HB happen to see a copy of it? Did he steal it? Did some "crony" on the board break a confidence and slip it to HB? In either case, did the original writer authorize a wider release of the letter, BEFORE HB learned of it? It just seems to me that somebody needs to be accountable for this.
These things should be public record but it is very difficult to get any information from this administration.
The last person that requested a copy of the CEO's contract had to get lawyers involved and the hosptal continued to delay and withhold information until the Judge finally ruled against them.
Most common citizens don't have the resources to go to this extreme to obtain information that should be readily available in a county owned hospital.
My information came from the letter and the surgeon who wrote it. I don't think you can get much more first hand knowlege of the information.
HB wrote:
"My information came from the letter and the surgeon who wrote it."
In what order did you see the letter and talk to the surgeon? And if he didn't keep a copy, how is that you managed to see it?
Did someone violate board confidentiality in providing you a copy? In your mind, does the end justify the means to get what you want?
a patient voice a concern to me and i suggested he talk to the ceo of floyd. the patient said "the ceo talk to him like he was a slave on the ceo own plantation". no rights no voice like it is now working at floyd if you voice a concerns or have a question your employment may be terminated. the ceo and some of the board members need to be replaced. they care nothing for the employees or the patients. The only thing they care about is PROFITS THE BOTTEM LINE MONEY. Care nothing for human life.
A 65 million dollar building and and pcu has plumbing problems. patient rooms are closed because the rooms flood with water and sewage. the 65 milion dollar hospital not a year old. will someone on the board and the ceo explain this one. The ceo and board wants to stop overtime. Next hard working employees will be layed off. I SAY FIRED THE CEO AND THE BOARD.
Thank you Dr. Dan for the truth. Something the Ceo and administration nows nothing about. The truth always wins in the end.
I think the truth is winning. That is why Dr. "Ex Cathedra" is no longer on the board and does not have the support of the present board or the County Commissoners.
Honestly, HB, I'm more than a little concerned. I am a new nurse at the hospital, and I am beginning to hear so much negativity. It was bad when I first started, but it has gotten much worse, lately. Is there anything that we, as associates, can do to help change the situation? I know there is a lot of talking that goes into this blog, but talking only goes so far, especially when there is such fear of retribution from the administrators. It's a sad state of affairs when people, such as myself, find it difficult to even put a name or a position in their posting due to fear of not having a job if they're found out. I do appreciate what it is you are doing, though. Most people don't have a way of holding those in power accountable, but you are doing your best. I don't care what others say, I think you are doing this out of genuine care for the hospital and its associates. I've seen you around the hospital and have talked with you, not about these issues, but just about things, in general, and I will vouche for your integrity and willingness to do what's right.
I think I can safely say that Dr. Dan (Dr. Ex Cathedra as anonymous called him)is no longer on the board, has the support of the present board, or commisioners because he stands behind the patient and the staff at Floyd, wanting what's best for everyone. He is well liked and respected by the staff and he provides an awful lot of revenue and job security by referring patients to the hospital. He is no longer on the board because he speaks out for others. The board didn't want to hear that. Ironically, his replacement on the board is involved in county politics and knows the commissioners well. It's funny how the administration and trustees didn't want a physician on the board because of conflicting interests, but they'll allow another political figure on the board with outside connections. Hang in there Dr. Dan, too many speaking out are either on the outside looking in or in the administrative circle of destruction.
Anonymous said...
"I think I can safely say that Dr. Dan (Dr. Ex Cathedra as anonymous called him)is no longer on the board, has the support of the present board, or commisioners because he stands behind the patient and the staff at Floyd, wanting what's best for everyone."
Do you REALLY believe that?? Just exactly why would either the County Commissioners or hospital administration NOT support staff or patients? That makes no sense. It is one thing to disagree with a policy, but this business of implying that government and FMH leaders don't care about employees or patients is just silly.
How do you think the hospital has performed so well for the last 14 or 15 years with significant expansion, lots of changes and extremely low staff turnover? Why in the world would you want to paint a negative picture of an outstanding hospital which is well managed and in which staff provides excellent patient care? If you can't be proud of what you do or if Floyd isn't a good fit, you really should look elsewhere and see if you can find a better place for yourself. All this whining gets tiresome after a while and causes people to lose sight of what a great place we have in our community.
And this last comment is the a phrase that some of our administrators have used in the past.
"It's our way or the highway."
Tell me that's a morale builder for our wonderful dedicated employees who have given many years of their lives to this hospital.
So who should be setting the standards for the hospital? Hospital management or each individual employee?
Or would it be appropriate for each doctor on staff to encourage hospital employees to substitute that doctor's personal opinions for that of management? And what would you advise one of your employees if they couldn't/wouldn't adhere to your standards?
I encourage open communication and conflict resolution.
You will notice that those things weren't even considered by the previous comment.
They do not allow disagreement.
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