tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200277357716359754.post5013915773215223788..comments2023-08-09T03:37:18.366-04:00Comments on The Ronan Report: THE PEDIATRIC UNIT AT WMHS IS NOT CLOSINGBarry P. Ronanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14640174056061435087noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200277357716359754.post-56052473189123498852018-06-21T22:42:35.034-04:002018-06-21T22:42:35.034-04:00In all due respect, this is nothing more than spin...In all due respect, this is nothing more than spin by WMHS. You criticize the newspaper for their headline about the Pediatric Unit closing. The fact is that you have closed the Pediatric unit years ago. But, you are arguing over the word “closing”. You, yourself said, “the term closing is a regulatory term that we have to use”. You have to use it because it is fact! You will not be admitting Pediatric patients to the pediatric unit because it is closed. You instead will be “transferring “ pediatric patients to the observation unit. Just because it is new and cost millions of dollars does not mean that it is what is best for this community. <br />WMHS has been using the following statistics to reinforce their decision for an observation unit. According to your numbers, 9500 children have been seen by ED. 86 were admitted to the hospital and few of those stayed more than 48 hours. 300 were “transferred “ to another hospital for chronic or critical conditions. The number that you neglect to report is how many your ED referred to another hospital. The original Pediatric Unit has been closed for years. What effect does that have on your statistics? According to your own blog, “ transfers have been occurring for the last several years”. Your data is scewed because your hospital has not fully served children for years. Families have been sent out of town for broken bones, dehydration, and other minor illnesses that used to be handled in our hometown. Your data may serve your spin but does not show the full story. <br />You also say that you recognize the hardship to families. Do you know that MA children will not be able to receive care for more than 24 hours? Please review this document from MDH. <br />https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov/MCOupdates/Documents/pt_30-17.pdf<br />If children with MA stay in your observation unit over the 24 hour period, their family will be charged out-of-network for the additional time in the hospital. That means that families who live in poverty will have even less care for their children who are in the most need. <br />Lastly, on June 14 your staff was asked how they plan to help families who have to go out of town and have many needs. Your staff stated that once they helped the families to get to the receiving hospital, it was that hospitals responsibility to help that family. When I met with Mr. Karstetter I asked if they have worked with local agencies to help prepare for family ‘s needs. His response was something to the effect of that the hospital can’t do everything. So, how exactly is WMHS going to be more engaged in the process? I have contacted the County Commissioners to request their help to get community agencies together to help families during their medical crisis. <br />Every parent wants the very best care for their child. Chronic and critical illness is an excellent reason to transfer a child. But, please explain to families why WMHS refers their child to another hospital for common childhood illnesses. This means they need to pay for transportation, hotel, food and possible loss of income. <br />WMHS’s decision is not taking into consideration the community. Very sad!Shella Navalaneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04351573163946948519noreply@blogger.com