Comments on: WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH CARITAS CHRISTI HEALTH CARE?

By: HealthBlawg

HealthBlawg — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:56:22 +0000

When do you pull the plug on a hospital?

Today the story made it to prime newspaper real estate — above the fold, banner headline: Carney Called Strain on Caritas. Archbishop Sean O’Malley and other church officials emailed Caritas Christi Health Care employees last week noting that the $10

By: David L. Freeman MD

David L. Freeman MD — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 22:20:56 +0000

An assessment of the future of Carney Hospital should envision it not just as a local hospital for Dorchester but as a regional medical center for Quincy, Milton, and farther south, for this is what it used to be. Thirty years ago, it had twice as many beds as now, and a large array of medical, surgical, pediatric, and ob-gyn specialties, and it had excellent training programs for physicians, medical students and nurses. Over twenty years, its services have declined and in some instances (cranial neurosurgery) disappeared, but the need remains. The southeast region, though well served for primary care, is relatively poor in specialty services, such as for patients with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders, a striking example being the lack of any obstetrical beds between downtown Boston and South Weymouth. A future Carney, under whatever ownership and name, is in an excellent location to become a regional medical complex, and by serving the region it would better serve Dorchester.

David L. Freeman MD

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 01:10:16 +0000

“HEHIR: The cardinal is really committed to maintaining Catholic health care as part of the life of the church in Boston. This is part of the ministry, to serve people at vulnerable times in their life and to serve the poor. And because there are distinctive parts of the Catholic bioethical vision that won’t be sustained if we don’t have a Catholic health care system.

BEBINGER: Hehir says Caritas offers a Catholic perspective on abortions, genetic testing and end of life decisions that patients won’t find at other facilities. But fulfilling the Catholic mission in health care has become more financially difficult…as it has in Boston area parishes and parochial schools. The Caritas hospital that serves the largest number of the poor, Carney in Dorchester, is the only one of six Caritas members that is still losing money. Caritas CEO John Chessare says state assistance has dropped in the last few years and is expected to shrink further as the state shifts money to health plans for the uninsured. ”

Good piece Martha. It really shows how the allocation of health care funds from the feds and the state are based on “correct political thinking” and how health care is used as an instrument of political and social control.

By: madeline barnes,r.n.

madeline barnes,r.n. — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:19:09 +0000

As an employee of Caritas, and a teacher of future nurses, I feel that Carney Hospital staff,specifically the nursing dept. has contributed a great dealto the education of many fine nurses. I hope that the hospital remains open for our clients. We have many other employees who provide much for the community. Our doctors and other allied health personnel deserve much credit and thanks for the services that they provide also.

Madeline S.Barnes

By: CommonHealth

CommonHealth — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:04:24 +0000

Hi Ms. Heath – the 324 million, according to Caritas, includes 264 million in long term debt and 60 million in pension liability. Pension liability is the difference between the estimated cost of funding employee pension plans and what Caritas has set aside, or plans to have on hand, for that purpose. Does that make sense?

I don’t know if Caritas has borrowed against your pension fund.

Best, Martha Bebinger

By: Norine Heath

Norine Heath — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:33:34 +0000

what does it mean about the 324million dollars inpension-loan debt–have they borrowed against our pension fund?????please respond