Reminder: Forum On Hospital Sale Tomorrow
On Wednesday, August 28th the New Hanover County Democratic Party will host a forum on the proposed sale of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) at 6 pm at the ILA Hall, 1305 S Fifth Avenue, Wilmington NC 28401. The speakers will include:
Chris Coudriet, New Hanover County Executive
John Gizdic, NHRMC CEO
Kyle Horton, MD MBA, Public Health Policy Advocate
Moderator: Kimberly Mclaughlin-Smith, National Diversity and Inclusion Learning Development Specialist
NHRMC is the largest independent hospital in North Carolina and the third largest in the entire country. It is presently owned by New Hanover County. The County Commission has announced that on September 3rd it will consider a “Resolution of Intent to Sell” the Medical Center.
Proponents of the Resolution insist that no decision has been made to sell the hospital. However their position appears to be contradicted by the plain language of the resolution, available here, in which the Board of Commissioners "declares its intent to sell NHRMC’s facilities and assets." The StarNews ran an editorial on Sunday entitled Our View: The People Have Spoken -- Slow Down On NHRMC. The editorial suggests that the Commission should include language in the Resolution that guarantees ample time and opportunity for public input or postpone the vote for 90 days.
For many, this proposal raises significant questions about the future of healthcare in our community. They include:
Why sell a healthcare system that serves our community so well?
If billions in additional investment are needed and cannot be paid for by proceeds from our independent healthcare system, why would a purchaser shoulder that burden?
Will NHRMC release financial projections, including specific projections of the effects of Medicaid expansion?
How will a sale affect the quality and cost of healthcare services?
How will a sale affect uncompensated care?
How will a sale impact employment? Will there be a no-layoff guarantee? For how long?
The Hospital was created by a vote of New Hanover citizens. Should the people of New Hanover County, who own the hospital, be afforded the opportunity to vote on its sale?
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| Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party |
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Mailing Address:
NHCDP
PO Box 3036
Wilmington, NC 28406
Office Address:
5041 New Centre Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
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