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Care cooperation undermined

Donald Calbreath’s June 24 letter to the editor, “Deaconess provoked conflict,” was right on. Community Health Systems’ purchase of Deaconess/Valley has created massive conflict within Spokane’s nationally recognized health care system.

In 1994, owners of the four major hospitals in Spokane created Inland Northwest Health Services to share costs for air ambulance, information technology and other common services, producing an award-winning health care system. Electronic data-sharing systems were recognized as a model for the nation. The cooperative nature of this venture lowered costs and improved health care delivery.

Shortly after CHS took control, trouble started. Beginning with the squabble over who owns the license to the computer systems on which all of the area hospitals depended, then the issues with Rockwood Clinic and now CHS’ attempt to prevent Sacred Heart from adding needed beds.

CHS has broken the cooperative nature of health care in Spokane for the almighty dollar. It’s time for the state regulators to step in and get this mess straightened out; otherwise, we can all expect costs to go up and services to go down. CHS needs to be a partner in Spokane’s health care delivery instead of an adversary.

Gary Terwilleger

Spokane Valley

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