This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
CHS future worrisome
As a registered nurse at Valley Hospital, I’ve been closely following your coverage of Community Health Systems’ (CHS) possible sale of our hospital and Deaconess. Together with my co-workers, we have stood up against CHS to hold them accountable to our patients’ needs. Their secretive move toward sale is yet another example of their complete disregard for our community.
Recently, CHS proposed to our union bargaining team extending our contract by six months rather than negotiating a new contract. We see this as a sign that they don’t intend to own our hospitals in six months. Yet, they refuse to tell us whether they’re selling.
It’s time for our community hospitals to be run by a local not-for-profit rather than a profit-hungry Tennessee-based corporation. CHS needs to tell the truth, and now, about whether they’re selling our hospitals and let us help find a more suitable next owner.
Tami O’Marro, RN
Spokane