CCHHS Board Listens to Unhappy South Suburban Residents

Cook County Health & Hospitals System Board Meeting

January 30, 2009, 7:30 A.M., Stroger Hospital

In a conciliatory response to residents of south suburban Cook County who had voiced concerns at a Town Meeting the previous Saturday in Markham, and who came to the CCHHS Board meeting to speak, the Board Chairman moved the public comment from its usual position at the close of the meeting to the opening. Seven people spoke for their allotted three minutes each. They identified themselves as representing the National Nurses Organizing Committee, physicians in SEIU, Community Health Care Southland, and as employees, including a pediatrician. Their main concern was with cuts in service at Oak Forest Hospital without community input. They challenged the consultants' report on which decisions were made, most notably, consolidation of all surgical services at Stroger Hospital. Oak Forest hospital was once a long term care facility and more recently changed to an acute care facility to serve residents of the south parts of Cook County. They enumerated the difficulties this decision incurred for patients, e.g., the distance and transportation problems and the need for return visits to the Stroger pharmacy for medications. Also noted were the need for specialists at Oak Forest, the closing of a pain management clinic there and the loss of the trauma center at St. James Hospital.

In its regular business the Board discussed the progress of various committee work.

Human Resources is reviewing personnel policies and job descriptions for senior positions. Strategic Planning recognizes that their work is urgent so that tactical decisions are not made now that impact future choices, and that the planning process is open to staff and the community. "Quality" needs further definition and measures.

The current budget impasse was discussed and the impact of potential cuts on service. They noted possible federal $$ but acknowledged the risks in depending on them in budgeting. Commissioner Sims, whose district includes the south suburbs, spoke about the need for constituents to exert pressure on the County Board to solve the impasse. She suggested that those who came to speak to the CCHHS Board also attend the continuing session of the County Board Finance Committee on February 2 to express their concerns.

The Board carefully reviewed payments, bills, and proposed contracts.

They adjourned to executive session at 10:30 to consider employment contract issues.

--Submitted by Observer Nancy Staunton