NEEDED A HOSPITAL TASK FORCE

Long overdue is the need for an Administration/Council sponsored Citizens’ Task Force to bring a form of definitive health care back to the city.

I realize that there is a consultant’s report due, even overdue, on the Muhlenberg campus use. The study was commissioned in October 2013 with a report anticipated in six months. It is unlikely that there will be a constructive recommendation since one of the consultants has remarked that they will be focusing on “zoning changes” which will be needed before non-medical use is approved.

Although many have voiced the need for a “medical mall” in part of the vacant hospital building it is my firm belief that the prime minimum facility this community needs is an at least 120 bed acute hospital with supportive ER and a separate walk-in-unit.

The 120 bed acute care hospital should contain small critical care and coronary care medical units along with a reasonable number of beds devoted to non-critical but acute short term disease care. Any medical case requiring super specialized care can then be transferred to a facility such as RWJ. Arrangements can be made for such cases.

There should also be a small number of beds for pediatric patients, as well as an OB unit- an urgent need.

There should also be a surgery unit with a sufficient OR complex for the more routine type surgeries; the exotic or complex cases would belong in a hospital adequately staffed.

Unfortunately in this type hospital there is no room for a psychiatric or detox units.

Of course there must be the need supportive diagnostic units as well as rehabilitation services. They can also service the Medical Mall patients.

The Medical Mall would be ancillary to the hospital, most likely staffed by physicians with hospital privileges plus external specialists.

In 2014 there is no longer a place for the non-profit hospital complex. It has proven itself to be economical inefficient. However with the implementation of ACA the loss burden of uninsured has greatly diminished. Therefore a commercial hospital operation could in my opinion make a success in operating such a facility.

That will require, not necessary in this order; the city reclaiming the property and endowments from JFK as well as a dedicated concentrated effort with complete government and political support to make this a reality.

That is why a non-political Citizens’ Task Force charged with the mission to make the above happen is essential. I could suggest that those volunteers who have been active in trying to restore Muhlenberg services be a nucleus for this force. Dottie Gutenkauf, health permitting such at the least be Honorary Chairperson; if willing the chair. Others I would strongly recommend are Nancy Piwowar, Olive Lynch, and Deborah Dowe

There are many highly competent individuals in this city who would be willing to be part of such an effort if they were assured of complete support.

If our Administration and Councilors are honestly interested in Plainfield’s wellbeing rebirth and attractiveness to the Transit Villages let them drop their petty personal politics and work for us.