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Outgoing CEO says changes a must
By Justin Jones: justin_jones@terrelltribune.com
If the city of Terrell finds a way to get a new operator for Medical Center at Terrell before it closes, hospital Chief Executive Officer Ken Pittman said three things must first take place for any new ownership to prevent the facility from encountering the same problems it now faces again in another two to three years.
While Pittman said in a written statement “The current hospital operators did everything feasible to make the hospital work under the current conditions,” in order for another operator to make MCT a financially stable institution, the city first needs to figure out a way to sell the building to an operator at a reasonable cost.
“Or at least revise the lease so that they [the city] assume the responsibility of the upkeep of the building,” Pittman said. “Repairs on a building, and particularly one the age of this hospital are inevitable but costly. It makes no sense to most people to sink money into a building that does not belong to them and that they are paying a monthly lease on.”
Lease agreement
The city of Terrell, which owns the facility, is leasing the hospital for a monthly base rent of $10,000, which goes into the city's general fund, according to City Manager Gordon Pierce.
“We've never had enough excess money to put into the hospital, it's leased to them and [it's] their responsibility to make improvements,” Pierce said. “But obviously we are going to look at different options as we progress in this process [of trying to find a new operator].”
Pierce added, to maybe alleviate that problem, that a possible option the city could take is structuring the lease to put the hospital up for sale based upon the amount of capital investment a person or organization would make.
However, taking that route right now would be illegal, according to Pierce, who said that is why Triad couldn't purchase the facility before Resurgence took over in 2004.
“We can't sell it. It has to be bid on and that's the reason why we couldn't sell it to Triad,” Pierce said. “What we are trying to find out from the attorney general is, if since this is a health, safety and public welfare [situation], can we negotiate a sell or lease. We had to go out for bids the last time and our attorneys are trying to confirm that right now. We can't sell city property to whomever we want. We have to accept the highest and best bidder. We are trying to see if we can waive that legally since this is a health and welfare issue.”
There is also the issue, or viewpoint from some in the community, that the city is a “slumlord” for not investing the money it receives from monthly payments back into the hospital for upkeep.
“I would object to it [being called a slumlord] because while the city happens to be the owner of the property, all of the maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the tenant, not the city,” Pierce said in defending the city. “The city has never budgeted any money for maintenance and upkeep for that building.”
Pierce also said the lease agreement, which was drawn up by the city and the operator's attorneys, states that the tenant supervises the upkeep of the facility and that it was agreed to by Resurgence .
“It's just like you are leasing at Tanger,” Pierce explained. “A storefront, you are leasing from them but you are responsible for putting in the air, walls and taking care of all of the maintenance. It's the same as our lease. It's just like any landlord-tenant relationship.”
Indigent health care
But according to Pittman, for this relationship to last when and if a new operator takes over, you would have to ensure the entire burden of people who can't afford to pay health care is not on the shoulders of the hospital.
Pittman said it's time for the county to step up to the plate and make its criteria for helping indigent patients something within reason and not out of the reach of those who really need assistance.
According to some reports, the county budgeted $300,000 this year for indigent medical expenses.
In 2006, Candy Countryman, MCT director of business development, said there was $1.384 million in care for which Kaufman County residents couldn't pay.
“Indigent care and uncompensated care are not necessarily the same. Indigent care is somebody who really can't pay for it and really does not have the means to pay for their health care,” Countryman said. “Uncompensated care, they choose not to, don't get around to it or something comes up that's more important than paying that bill.
“There are people who just can't pay for their care and there are people who owe their deductibles and co-pays. Then there are some people who don't have insurance but can be making payments on their care.”
Progress being made?
Hopefully, residents in Terrell and surrounding communities will have a hospital in the future to make payments toward.
Since the announcement of the closing, rumors have spread like wildfires about potential new operators.
From what he was told, Precinct 3 County Commissioner Kenneth Schoen said he thinks some things are in the works.
“ I think what we need to do is kind of wait and let the process move through,” Schoen said. “I think there are some other people who are looking at a possible deal.”
Countryman has also heard of some activity.
“The only thing I know for sure is that some people have expressed interest,” she said. “Who they are and where they are I don't have the answer to that.”
In the meantime, Pierce said his only directions are to replace the operator of the hospital, hopefully within 60 days.
“Those are my only directions. It has gone unbelievably well. I meet with one major company Wednesday and another the following Wednesday,” Pierce said. “By then, I will be able to determine what we need to do to come up with a lease that will be acceptable to someone to operate the hospital. Whether we will be able to get all of that done in 60 days I can't promise, but that's certainly my top priority.”
And should any deal go down and the new operator intends to be successful, the support of the medical staff is absolutely essential, according to Pittman.
“While there are some very loyal physicians on our staff,” Pittman said, “we have also lost the support of some whose business ventures have taken priority over where they admit their patients.”
While Pittman said in a written statement “The current hospital operators did everything feasible to make the hospital work under the current conditions,” in order for another operator to make MCT a financially stable institution, the city first needs to figure out a way to sell the building to an operator at a reasonable cost.
“Or at least revise the lease so that they [the city] assume the responsibility of the upkeep of the building,” Pittman said. “Repairs on a building, and particularly one the age of this hospital are inevitable but costly. It makes no sense to most people to sink money into a building that does not belong to them and that they are paying a monthly lease on.”
Lease agreement
The city of Terrell, which owns the facility, is leasing the hospital for a monthly base rent of $10,000, which goes into the city's general fund, according to City Manager Gordon Pierce.
“We've never had enough excess money to put into the hospital, it's leased to them and [it's] their responsibility to make improvements,” Pierce said. “But obviously we are going to look at different options as we progress in this process [of trying to find a new operator].”
Pierce added, to maybe alleviate that problem, that a possible option the city could take is structuring the lease to put the hospital up for sale based upon the amount of capital investment a person or organization would make.
However, taking that route right now would be illegal, according to Pierce, who said that is why Triad couldn't purchase the facility before Resurgence took over in 2004.
“We can't sell it. It has to be bid on and that's the reason why we couldn't sell it to Triad,” Pierce said. “What we are trying to find out from the attorney general is, if since this is a health, safety and public welfare [situation], can we negotiate a sell or lease. We had to go out for bids the last time and our attorneys are trying to confirm that right now. We can't sell city property to whomever we want. We have to accept the highest and best bidder. We are trying to see if we can waive that legally since this is a health and welfare issue.”
There is also the issue, or viewpoint from some in the community, that the city is a “slumlord” for not investing the money it receives from monthly payments back into the hospital for upkeep.
“I would object to it [being called a slumlord] because while the city happens to be the owner of the property, all of the maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the tenant, not the city,” Pierce said in defending the city. “The city has never budgeted any money for maintenance and upkeep for that building.”
Pierce also said the lease agreement, which was drawn up by the city and the operator's attorneys, states that the tenant supervises the upkeep of the facility and that it was agreed to by Resurgence .
“It's just like you are leasing at Tanger,” Pierce explained. “A storefront, you are leasing from them but you are responsible for putting in the air, walls and taking care of all of the maintenance. It's the same as our lease. It's just like any landlord-tenant relationship.”
Indigent health care
But according to Pittman, for this relationship to last when and if a new operator takes over, you would have to ensure the entire burden of people who can't afford to pay health care is not on the shoulders of the hospital.
Pittman said it's time for the county to step up to the plate and make its criteria for helping indigent patients something within reason and not out of the reach of those who really need assistance.
According to some reports, the county budgeted $300,000 this year for indigent medical expenses.
In 2006, Candy Countryman, MCT director of business development, said there was $1.384 million in care for which Kaufman County residents couldn't pay.
“Indigent care and uncompensated care are not necessarily the same. Indigent care is somebody who really can't pay for it and really does not have the means to pay for their health care,” Countryman said. “Uncompensated care, they choose not to, don't get around to it or something comes up that's more important than paying that bill.
“There are people who just can't pay for their care and there are people who owe their deductibles and co-pays. Then there are some people who don't have insurance but can be making payments on their care.”
Progress being made?
Hopefully, residents in Terrell and surrounding communities will have a hospital in the future to make payments toward.
Since the announcement of the closing, rumors have spread like wildfires about potential new operators.
From what he was told, Precinct 3 County Commissioner Kenneth Schoen said he thinks some things are in the works.
“ I think what we need to do is kind of wait and let the process move through,” Schoen said. “I think there are some other people who are looking at a possible deal.”
Countryman has also heard of some activity.
“The only thing I know for sure is that some people have expressed interest,” she said. “Who they are and where they are I don't have the answer to that.”
In the meantime, Pierce said his only directions are to replace the operator of the hospital, hopefully within 60 days.
“Those are my only directions. It has gone unbelievably well. I meet with one major company Wednesday and another the following Wednesday,” Pierce said. “By then, I will be able to determine what we need to do to come up with a lease that will be acceptable to someone to operate the hospital. Whether we will be able to get all of that done in 60 days I can't promise, but that's certainly my top priority.”
And should any deal go down and the new operator intends to be successful, the support of the medical staff is absolutely essential, according to Pittman.
“While there are some very loyal physicians on our staff,” Pittman said, “we have also lost the support of some whose business ventures have taken priority over where they admit their patients.”
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of terrelltribune.com.
You know me wrote on Jan 13, 2007 5:30 PM:
" The Terrell City Manger and he said the City is not a slumlord. I would call taking $10,000 a month from a tenant and putting NOTHING into a facility a slumlord. While I do not expect the City to put additional money into the facility, it would seem to be in the best interest of the City to put money back into it to make sure the it keeps some type of value.
I am not sure how a comparison can be made with a storefront in Tanger Outlet to a hospital facility. Two totally different types of leases I would think. One is a lease for a space, the other is a lease for an entire building. For the City of Terrell the hospital is clearly a money making piece of property and nothing else, while there is nothing wrong with that, it has partially led us to where we are today. "
Vj wrote on Jan 13, 2007 6:50 PM:
" I would be interesting in knowing what percentage of those not paying their medical costs are in this country illegally. I am afraid more & more cities are going to be faced with this problem as long as we try to keep paying for NON citizens. We cannot take on the care of the world. We need to care for our own CITIZENS first. "
You know me wrote on Jan 13, 2007 6:54 PM:
" Or what percentage of those who dont pay are families whose children had to use the hosptial because the children were dropped from CHIP. "
landlord wrote on Jan 13, 2007 6:55 PM:
" I own rental properties. When something goes wrong structurally or with the plumbing, hot water heater, heat/air, it is up to me to fix it, or have it fixed. It is the tennants responsibility to take proper care of the property and to pay his/her rent on time. If a renter breaks a window, stuffs the toilet with paper or actually causes some sort of damage, then it is their responsibility to take care of it. If the city owns the hospital building, it is the city's responsibility to maintain it! I have found that by making occassional minor repairs it is much less costly for me, a property owner, than waiting for any of my properties to run down to the point where bulldozing is even an option. The City of Terrell should be ashamed. The city leaders are probably thinking they will have time to go to Dallas when they or one of their loved ones need medical assistance. Well, the joke will be on them. Sometimes, in a real emergency, time is not on your side. You may not be able to make it to Dallas. To bad we will all have to wait for something to happen to a city leader or one of their family members before they realize the need for a medical facility here, not down the road. 'Nuff said! "
just checkingin today,kevinpullen rn wrote on Jan 13, 2007 7:07 PM:
" you can erase my comments like yesterday but i come on board and tell it like it is. i post as kevin pullen all those who put me down, i saved your love ones took care of business. i may have been a clown but in icu you have to relax and have fun. it is not easy seeing your buddies, mds, best friendspass away. i don,t have any hard feelings towards anyone. i did what i had to do cause i got crapped on. no not by ken pittman either he stood by me, he understands what is going on. but when you get upset and walk out business is business and i deserved it. yes i did act like a rear end , but a worked there since 1991. i was a little upset. who wassn,t. i am just a human being with faults like everyone else...... kp "
Grateful patient wrote on Jan 13, 2007 7:09 PM:
" There have been a lot of bad things said about MCT and some are true while others are just the backlash of someone not getting what they wanted as quickly as they wanted. I had to go the the emergency room a few weeks ago. Yes, I had to wait a little over 4 hours to be seen and during the first three of those hours I was the only one in the waiting room. I have no insurance at the time (unemployed) and told them this. I admit, I was really concerned about this. I was told not to worry about it. After being treated, I went to the little window to see what I owed. I was told I would receive a bill. It arrived the following week and along with it was a letter explaining that if I paid the bill before a certain date I would be entitled to a discount. I immediately went out to the business office and was given a 20% discount for prompt payment. Needless to say, I was thrilled. I was told by the gentleman in the business office that the discount was being offered in an attempt to get more people who could pay to do so. I'm still not happy with the length of time it took to be treated but can say from experience I did get treated with no money up front and got a great deal for doing the right thing and paying quickly. Thank you MCT. Your services will be missed. "
kevin rn wrote on Jan 13, 2007 7:49 PM:
" not trying to get smart but isn,t it funny how the comments have stopped over the weekend. must have been mct emy vocing there minds without a real name. done for the day have fun "
Neck Bone wrote on Jan 13, 2007 9:15 PM:
" Hey what had to the money Triad gave the city when the pay the bond off early. I could be wrong but I think it was a handsome some. Hollar at KP and I want some neck bone. "
That's Business wrote on Jan 13, 2007 9:51 PM:
" I wish I had time to get on earlier but did not,while I'am sure everyone is happy the City has been forced to do something. The important word is FORCED becuse of the lack of leadership and shear stupidity the hospital is in this situation. A perfect example of this is the statement by City Manger that maintance has never been budgeted for the building they own. Any responsible land lord would be putting that money aside, even if allocation of funds were not needed just think how much money would be in that account. Maybe they didnt think ahead but I remember the statement in The Dallas Morning news by Triad stating this facility is in the poorest shape of any in its entire organization (Traid not a small group). Plus the early payoff of bond, how much? Sure some budgetting was going on with this money alright,but it sure the hell wasnt done with any common sense. Hey tax payers love the use of term general fund, hey thats were all the money went from lottery that was going to take care of schools.
My how stupid are gov't leaders are on all levels. Gee's I could go on and on but who cares it will never stop unless we all ban together and fix these problems. Hey here's a list who's tired of getting shafted by Insurance companies and my recent favorite TXU (with a dozen or more lobbist working for them to cheat us). Hollar give it to peeps KP and fire away scooter. "
That's Business or is it. wrote on Jan 13, 2007 10:06 PM:
" here is an example of city in a meeting talking budget.
Hey what are we going to do with that 10K from lease. I dont know lets just spend it by putting it in general fund ha ha. but what do we do if we should happen to need it for the building some day. What are you stupid we just hit the tax payers up for more money and they pay it you idiot. Ok well what should we do with that big chuck of cash we got when bond was paid off early. Hey I'll let the rest of you posters on the board finish that last statement. "
newbie wrote on Jan 13, 2007 10:49 PM:
" ... 20 companies have called the city about leasing the hospital. Doesn't say who they are, though.
"
helloeveryone wrote on Jan 13, 2007 11:04 PM:
" the main concern here is the what are we going to do when the hospital closes? we need to solve problems not whin and moan. "
ain'tgonnahappen wrote on Jan 13, 2007 11:09 PM:
" unfortunately, "hello," terrell is all about the blame game, not finding solutions. "
Just a Shame wrote on Jan 13, 2007 11:57 PM:
" All I have to say is that all of this is just a shame. The city should take responsibilty for its building, doesn't matter all the legalities of it, if the legal issues are keeping them from upkeeping their property than they certianly need to change the legal aspects of their agreement. How long has it been that they have been leasing with no responsibility to the property? Hello, it does not take a brain scientist to figure after a number of years the building will go to pot. No one leasing is going to pour money into the structure of a building they do not own. There is enough expense with medical equiptment that either wares out or is out of date and needsto be replaced without adding plumbing, air and heat and foundation problems. To what I understand the ciy really doesn't have to worry, if the place is not fit it just reverts back to its original owners. No loss on the city because they have already spent years receiving monies each and every month for how many years? But they have no money to put back into the building. How stupid does the city officials thank we are, just look because we do not have to be spoon feed since birth to have intelligence to know what is going on in the city of Terrell. Terrell Officials (government of the city) SHAME ON YOU, hope you can sleep at night, because there a lot of people who work at MCT that are having a hard time sleeping. Not because we can not find another job but because we know how wrong all of this is being handled and all the lies. What a shame!!! "
hush up wrote on Jan 14, 2007 1:49 AM:
" I am so sick and tried of everyone griping about how the city dose things. How about the good things they do on a daily basis for us?? If you think you can do a better job, then go run for office and you will soon find out it isnt that easy. You voted for these people! And if you didnt vote, hush up you have no room to gripe if you didnt! From reading everyones comments everyday, No matter what the City of Terrell did or didnt do it wouldnt be right by you people. Give them a break! None of you honestly know what goes on with the rent money, have you seen the lease agreement? Do you know the city of terrell is responsible for general maitance? The building I rent, I am responsible for, whos to say it isnt that way with them? No of you really know anything excpet how to gripe who you think it should or shoudlnt be done, if you dont like it go live some ware elese. You will soon find the grass isnt always greener on the other side. Forney, Kaufman, Rockwall, Dallas have these same problems and every day they are forced to make decisions that they belive are the best for the city and the citizens and with every decision there is someone who will and wont like it. Quit griping, just be glad we live where we do and not overseas. Most of the unpaid bills are yes people who arnt here legally. But the rest of them are good hard working American citizens who aint lucky enough to have Insurance, because they cant afford it. Every Hopstial has this problem, Kaufman hospital has the same amout of unpaid bills as Terrell dose and it keeps its doors open very easily, I blame this on poor mangement of Money. "
ptogone wrote on Jan 14, 2007 2:39 AM:
" It is really interesting if you pull up Dallas Business Journal for November 28,2003. There is an article in there regarding Triad and THEIR description of MCT and why THEY couldn't buy the hospital then AND their description on the facility. It's also interesting when you go to the terrell city council meeting minutes that are available for your pleasurable reading,on line.The last time any financial reports on the hospital were given to the council was July 18,2006,HMMMMM I wonder what happened after that???? I think if I was the owner of a facilty, and had heard rumors, I would want a little more financial information on how a business is doing, by the way why aren't those reports made public??? I'd also like to know who negotiated the contract between the City and the hospital. Please note who the City Attorney is (minutes from May 18,2004) that's interesting don't you think??? Just seems that we need to all get involved in our city government and keep informed in what's going on. TERRELL NEEDS A HOSPITAL, not just for the employees to keep a job but for the entire community. End of Story!! "
Lump in the Back of My Head wrote on Jan 14, 2007 5:57 AM:
" Something doesn’t make sense here: January 11th….“When Resurgence took over the facility in 2004, he (City Manager Gordon Pierce) said the city sent out letters to about 100 companies asking for their interest. “We got one or two answers,” he said. Resurgence was the only company with a serious proposal and he said the deal with them was negotiated quickly.” THEN, on January 12th…..“It was a long week for City Manager Gordon Pierce, but it ended on an up note. He estimated that as many as 20 companies had called asking about taking over Medical Center of Terrell.” Soooo, we have a city-owned facility that EVERYONE agrees has deteriorated badly and all the sudden 200 companies are busting down city hall’s doors expressing interest??? I’d say SOMEONE (three guesses, first two don’t count) is blowing smoke up our communal….
"
Lump in the Back of My Head wrote on Jan 14, 2007 5:58 AM:
" Something doesn’t make sense here: January 11th….“When Resurgence took over the facility in 2004, he (City Manager Gordon Pierce) said the city sent out letters to about 100 companies asking for their interest. “We got one or two answers,” he said. Resurgence was the only company with a serious proposal and he said the deal with them was negotiated quickly.” THEN, on January 12th…..“It was a long week for City Manager Gordon Pierce, but it ended on an up note. He estimated that as many as 20 companies had called asking about taking over Medical Center of Terrell.” Soooo, we have a city-owned facility that EVERYONE agrees has deteriorated badly and all the sudden 20 companies are busting down city hall’s doors expressing interest??? I’d say SOMEONE (three guesses, first two don’t count) is blowing smoke up our communal….
"
That's business wrote on Jan 14, 2007 9:35 AM:
" To Hush up : they dont deserve a break, leaders have to take the heat when it is called for.
To hello everyone: those whinning and moaning have that right, besides they have no choice on what is going to happen, the people have the right to be heard on this issue.
And indeed we need to remember when elections come around and also when we hear all the praise they will try to take if deal is done. hollar at KP "
Sister of former employee wrote on Jan 14, 2007 9:52 AM:
" I am the sister of a long time former employee. Her husband was admitted to the hospital on Christmas. The hospital did not have any clean pitchers to put water in. They put his water in a containter that is used to measure urine in after it is drained from a catheriter.!! Also they did not have the supplies to test for strep throat. I am so glad she found another job before this place closed. The poor management is to blame for the closing of this hospital, not the employees! "
To Greatful patient, wrote on Jan 14, 2007 1:21 PM:
" It shows you have good morals that you paid your hsopital bill. A lot of people don't even attempt to make payments on their medical care. I wish there were more people like you in the world. "
MCT R.N. wrote on Jan 14, 2007 1:28 PM:
" Dear Justin,
Just wanted to say I and I'm sure many others really appreciate your articles. As an employee of MCT, it's nice to see someone from the Terrell Tribune states facts from all angles of the situation. Thanks again for shedding additional light on the subject. "
Oh the Drama!... wrote on Jan 14, 2007 2:07 PM:
" As stated in the article above:...
"However, taking that route right now would be illegal, according to Pierce, who said that is why Triad couldn't purchase the facility before Resurgence took over in 2004.
“We can't sell it. It has to be bid on and that's the reason why we couldn't sell it to Triad,” Pierce said. “What we are trying to find out from the attorney general is, if since this is a health, safety and public welfare [situation], can we negotiate a sell or lease. We had to go out for bids the last time and our attorneys are trying to confirm that right now. We can't sell city property to whomever we want. We have to accept the highest and best bidder. We are trying to see if we can waive that legally since this is a health and welfare issue."
....I wonder how long a bidding process will take. If it happens, will the new buyers close after they buy, for repairs? Will the employees have to go through a re-hire process? O
"
Curious wrote on Jan 14, 2007 3:14 PM:
" Re:Lump in the back of my head -- Where
did the info on 20 companies come from?
Don't see it in any of the Tribune stories. "
OH MY!! wrote on Jan 14, 2007 3:16 PM:
" WE ALL WONDER WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY THE CITY RECEIVES FOR THIS LEASE, THE CITY IS TRYING TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY DONT WANT TO LOSE THE MONEY COMING IN EVERY MONTH NOT BECAUSE OF HEALTH CARE WE NEED AS A COMMUNITY!! THE NEXT QUESTION IS , IF MCT CLOSES, WHO IS GOING TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE OF THE MONEY THAT WAS COMING IN?? "
rs wrote on Jan 14, 2007 5:10 PM:
" mr pittman hit it on the head in many spots...but i will adress just two number one the city of terrell should for most think about the well being of the citizens trying to make a profit on a building instead of health care is obsured. many hospitals throughout the country is a building that is owned by a city or county government, however they are leased to a school or a none profit organization at a min lease say a long term 30 year lease for a dollor a year. just look at medical centers in other cities named after schools or charties more than likely the city have some ownership.
second the kaufman county court needs to ante up some more money to off set the cost.
no one can say that whoever is running the hospital is at fault if you have such a huge finicial burden placed on the hospital by the like of support of local gorernment whether democratic or republican. sometimes it takes only seconds between life and death "
SOLD!! wrote on Jan 14, 2007 5:36 PM:
" SOLD to the first bidder? Any takers? How about hospital for sale on ebay? "
concerned wrote on Jan 14, 2007 6:44 PM:
" Since you cant go to the hospital and get treated for more than just a cold and the city already owns the building, why not convert this area into a new police station and public works area that was not passed on last year's bond? It is definitely still needed and would save us money for sure. We do need a hospital but no organiztion is going to pay the city that kind of money to rent the space. As soon as someone hears that the hospital is going to shut down and the property turned into something else, I feel people will start looking at Terrell to put their own hospital here. They will see the need is here in Terrell. The existing property would be a great place for a bigger city hall. If you agree, pass this on. Dont let a good thing pass us by and then gripe later when a bond does pass and we pay a higher price. "
cocerned wrote on Jan 14, 2007 6:48 PM:
" one other comment: The hospital here is just another Parkland. People being treated there and have no insurance. That is why they are closing in the first place. No revenue coming in. We need a first class place here or it is better off being closed and everyone going to Baylor . Less headache. "
FYI HUSH UP wrote on Jan 14, 2007 6:54 PM:
" Why don't you list the good things the city does, and as far a Kaufman, maybe you need to look into what monies they have supplementing indigent care. Much different than Terrell, so get your facts straight befor you start writing. Kaufman is funded by the presbyterian hospital district (TpHR). Anyone that has worked at Kaufman for any length of time will tell you that they are funded. That has been the whole problem with Tereell since we were Clumbia, we had noone to feed into our hospital. Look it up on the internet. Terrell has not had any one funding for the indigent. "
Dear Concerned... wrote on Jan 14, 2007 7:20 PM:
" "Since you cant go to the hospital and get treated for more than just a cold and the city already owns the building, why not convert this area into a new police station and public works area that was not passed on last year's bond?"
I'm not trying to put your idea down but common colds aren't even treated at Dr's offices thay are viruses that you must wait out, or buy an over the counter cold medicine. Just thought you may need a little education... Or were you just putting the facility down? Our hospital has been treating people with many diagnosis' that can't be treated at the Baylor clinic. It is a hospital albeit a rather crappy building but the Radiologists, nurses, Doctors, business men and women,and all the other people.. and patients with heavier diagnosis than a common cold, make it a HOSPITAL which is NEEDED. There is plenty of space in the town for a simple building to be built for the other things you were mentioning but I think (just my opinion) HWY 34 is the perfect spot in Terrell for the hospital. "
Hummmm wrote on Jan 14, 2007 8:11 PM:
" It is my understanding, and I could very possibly be wrong, that the land the hospital is now on was donated for the exclusive purpose of building a hospital. If the building is no longer used as a hospital, the land goes back to the donating family. If this is true, then a huge problem exists as no organization wants to put another hospital in the existing run down building or put their own monies into the repairs needed and it can not be used or leased for any other purpose. The city should have maintained the building, as they were collecting the rent on it, over the years and maybe we would not be facing the future without a hospital. If this weren't so sad, it would be incredibly funny. The city has shot itself in the foot again. Oh no! There is no hospital or medical staff to treat the injury. "
dw wrote on Jan 14, 2007 8:27 PM:
" autozone has millions of dollars they dont use why dont they use some it here where it counts they could bail the hospital out or maybe they are to busy trying to get all the money they can because they dont care about people only how much money they can get from you "
20thtimesa charm wrote on Jan 14, 2007 10:03 PM:
" OKAY THE CITY WAS PAID $10,000 A MONTH LEASE, WHAT WAS RESURGENCE CUT OF THE PIE FOR "MANAGING" THE HOSPITAL? I BET IT WAS MORE THAN THAT, NO WONDER IT COULDN'T MAKE A GO!!! "
neckbone wrote on Jan 15, 2007 12:16 AM:
" i just want to read yalls fights and eat neckbone. i love boiled neckbone give a shout out to kp "
crackhead wrote on Jan 15, 2007 12:20 AM:
" go to youtube.com type in crackhead, this is the patients er deals with everyday. "
triadwas awinner wrote on Jan 15, 2007 12:41 AM:
" triad was a winner, they knew a bad thing, mct will never open again, the place is a nasty nest, i am tierd of people stating , i just want to keep it open for the peopleof terrell. seems they would be better off getting care on the streets. if you cared about your patients look at all the in patient aquired infections. good night they need to burn it , sounds like and build a new place. rats, ants, sewer problems, good job terrell. i would love to stay at that place to the bitter end. get a brain. "
foryourinfo wrote on Jan 15, 2007 12:46 AM:
" i am mad , how dare you call mct a rats nest. i rats nestis equal to 20 rats i only saw 12 at night. "
tiger wrote on Jan 15, 2007 6:34 AM:
" This closing, along with a poor school system, unsolved murders, etc. are merely a reflection of STUPIDITY running our city. How on earth does taxpayers elect these officials to office? Idiots, Idiots, Idiots, what more can you say. "
autozone? wrote on Jan 15, 2007 7:08 AM:
" just what the heck does autozone have to do with any of this? or are there just a couple of disgruntled malcontents using the forum for their own unrelated agenda? "
muchconcern wrote on Jan 15, 2007 8:46 AM:
" It is really sad to think that we could be without a hospital. I have had a family member that was critically ill and if they had had to travel to Dallas or wait on a Careflight helicopter to pick them up they would have died. When they reached the hospital their heart stopped and then they were placed on a vent. The nursing staff and Doctors in the ER that day saved his life, had it not been here then he would not have made it. From my understanding we have a group of Doctors that are on a committee to build a hospital in Forney. Why would they not spend their efforts keeping the one we have or building a bigger and better one in Terrell. What about the lives of the staff of our hospital, has any one even thought about how this will effect them? "
To muchconcern wrote on Jan 15, 2007 9:43 AM:
" Forney it the IN place to build right now. Terrell is quickly becoming what gets flushed away. Terrell will end up being the place where people who want to live in Forney move to but cant afford. That will fit right in with all of the dollar stores we have in town. "
jojo wrote on Jan 15, 2007 10:12 AM:
" From reading these comments Terrell has already gotten the " flushed away". "
That's business wrote on Jan 15, 2007 10:59 AM:
" Some good points posted today. The time for a new hospital in Terrell passed along time ago, chances of that are like the old saying " like a snow balls chance in hell". The demographics in Terrell just wont allow it, a company must have a return on their investment. The only positive is the growth around Terrell which like others have stated Forney is the area where the income levels per house hold would make more sense. We are going to be stuck with what we have here in town, if we are lucky enough to keep what we have. The land and building situation along with a city that did not care have put the community in a bind. Another point is the building, the improvements done by Triad or Columbia (which are really the same group)like the new wing on hospital and all the metal buildings are free to the city in which they can reap the benefits of. The monies if building sold should go to a health care fund for people who have worked there. Now the city will tell you an idea like that is not leagal or city cant do that. But like we all know a gov't can figure out a way to do anything if they desire. It would be nice to see the numbers on the building since the original construction to find out what it cost tax payers and how many times the building has been paid for and compare value with the improvements made by former operators.
And lets face the facts City has been on the down hill slide compared to other palces around us, I my self have been seriously thinking of moving out of Terrell because of problems with the school system that needs support from the community and the parents stepping up and backing the teachers and administrators. "
I'm a tenant wrote on Jan 15, 2007 11:33 AM:
" Mr. Pierce, when was the last time you rented property? Having signed many leases myself, and worked for companies that rent their space, I have never seen a landlord-tenant relationship where the tenant is expected to keep up with the maintenence of the property. That's part of the responsibility of owning property and being a landlord. Rent is compensation for the occupation of space. Upkeep should not fall to the tenant, who has no vested interest in the property. "
OLDnFEEBLE wrote on Jan 15, 2007 11:36 AM:
" “That’s Business” is right. There’s very little going for this community. The good ole boy leadership lacks the vision to LEAD the community. What economic development we’ve seen over the last five years has been low-end (warehouse/distribution, fast food, beer barns, etc.). While waiting tables, driving a forklift, and pulling parts constitute “jobs”, they ‘re often part-time, no-benefit, dead-end, frequent turnover jobs. A vibrant, visionary community cannot be built on this kind of economic development. Here’s an idea…put the same group back on the council/school board at the next election. A wise man once said, “Nothing is ever done until everyone is convinced that it ought to be done, and has been for so long that it is now time to do something else.” "
idea wrote on Jan 15, 2007 12:01 PM:
" why dosen't the city hire OLDnFEEBLE to straighten all the problems in the city, then he could move over to TISD and straighten out all their problem. Seems he has an answer for every thing. Don't know we had a genuis among us. Heck don't stop there. Jim could hire him to be editor and sports writer on the Tribune. Then we wouldn't have to put up with little children writting stories. "
NARC wrote on Jan 15, 2007 1:28 PM:
" TERRELL HAD PLENTY OF CHANCES OVER THE YEARS TO BUILD A STATE OF THE ART HOSPITAL BUT ALL THE CITY HIGHER UPS HAD TO OFFER WAS THE OUTDATED HOSPITAL BUILDING ON 34, THEY WANTED SOMEONE TO COME IN AND LEASE THIS OLD HOSPITAL AND MAKE ALL UPDATES THEIR SELF WITHOUT EVER OBTAINING OWNERSHIP ! NOW WHAT COMPANY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD DO THAT ? YET WHEN A MANUFACTURING PLANT WANTS TO MOVE TO TERRELL THE CITY OFFERS TONS OF INCENTIVES TO MAKE TERRELL HOME !! WELL CITY OF TERRELL PAST AND PRESENT YOU SHOULD HAVE MADE ONE OF THESE HEALTH CORPORATIONS AN ATTRACTIVE INCENTIVE PACKAGE TO MAKE TERRELL HOME, NOT SOME FLY BY NIGHT HEALTH COMPANY ! NOW WITH A NEW HOSPITAL GOING UP IN FORNEY AND ROCKWALL, LIKE THE SAYING GOES, YOU SNOOZE YOU LOSE !! HOW ABOUT ANOTHER BEER STORE OR A PIZZA PLACE OR ANOTHER DISTRIBUTION CENTER ! "
Scarry Thought wrote on Jan 15, 2007 1:43 PM:
" If something does not happen within the 60 days it will be a sad time for the health care in Terrell. If all the employees move no to other jobs, Terrell will have a very difficult time filling the positions. When you are a health care professional, you pretty much know whats going on in the health care field. And as far a promises??? Mr. Pierce even if you did promise I am sure anyone would believe you. I hope you are sleeping well because I known many people who are not sleeping at night wondering what their lives will be like within 60 days. "
WONDERING... wrote on Jan 15, 2007 2:16 PM:
" As one of the many employees at MCT, it just seems to me that the time for blame and accusations is long past. Now is the time for solutions!! My family and I can only sit back and watch as our lives have become the ball in some crazy political ping pong match. The hospital is more than a job, it is my extended family. The people here have been there for me many times and I'll be there for them as well. I can only hope and pray that the powers that be stop playing with lives in the effort to appear superior to someone else. In short, STOP FIGHTING AND START FIXING!!!!! "
gettingbusy wrote on Jan 15, 2007 2:22 PM:
" i agree with businessman, you have lost all your nurses that had any knowledge. the terrell area will be faced with nursing home nurses and reject mds coming to terrell. the only problem is, who wants to work in a run down building. got so news for ya. terrell is seen as the laughing stock of the area. "
That's Business wrote on Jan 15, 2007 2:30 PM:
" Thank you OldnFeeble. I will tell all interested as an employee when we had the meeting and former CEO Ron Ensor told the group that the city would be picking our new empolyer, it made me very nervous. The new group was not that bad, the situation was bad because MCT had to finely make on it's own (no large corpartion to fall back on). Now once again many people our relying on the city of Terrell, which I hate to tell them, but if they are the are making a big mistake. The situation has little hope because the outside forces that have to occur to make it work are not going to happen. When I refer to outside forces I mean the local doctors must have 100% commitment to hospital. This will not happen because of the Baylor situation (not blaming Baylor).Traid knew once Baylor was up and running they had no chance. Former CEO stated they took about 1/3 of the hospitals revenue. This revenue was the easy healthcare dollars generated by X-ray,lab,and other diagnostic services which were done on out patient bases but were also verified we could get paid before service was provided (in other words the quality healthcare dollars all facilities thrive off of).Traid was smart and got out, these boys know what they were doing they trade on The NYSE and can play ball with best of them which means they had no time to play around with the leaders at city hall. They spend their money wisely and know how play with the big boys on wall street. HEY WHAT HAPPEND TO THAT KP CHARACTER. "
What did you expect wrote on Jan 15, 2007 2:44 PM:
" Everyone knew that this was coming, the city officials just wanted to ignore it were they did not have to address the cituation like they do with everything else in the city except retreats ( were they waste city money to party). I hope that when it comes time to vote everyone remembers these problems and select better canidates that might get people at city hall to do there jobs. "
city owns the place wrote on Jan 15, 2007 2:58 PM:
" If the city owns the place, shouldn't the city get to have a say in what happens? That would be YOU, taxpayers of Terrell.
Of course that also means that the city is accountable for the condition of the place. It's taken how many years for the taxpayers to finally voice their opinion about how the hospital that THEY OWN should be cared for. "
Agree wrote on Jan 15, 2007 2:59 PM:
" I agree with all the people that it is the cities responsibilty to build and maintain a hospital. And I am sure they all would back a hospital tax for that--say around .25 cents "
That's business wrote on Jan 15, 2007 3:05 PM:
" I fear that some idividuals who worry about people pointing fingers or the so called blame game are avoiding reality. The city or Resurgence is not going to help pay your bills. The blame game is over,we know who is to blame. This
process has taken years of neglect to get us to this point. The ship has been sinking for a while now. The people that work there are great and like family but facts must be faced and the city must take the heat. The people on this board are not going to be part of solution so dont get mad about people carrying on. Sometimes the truth hurts and life will go on with or without MCT. "
PrettyBaby wrote on Jan 15, 2007 3:14 PM:
" Let me tell ya'll something. the city does not care about terrell residences,they just like the hospital don't care about noone but the big M word "MONEY". look how this town looks, the city dont what nothing but money from everybody thats why they are riding around trying to find little things so they can write a ticket so they can make money,but not using it in a good way. the Hospital needs to be close down they been practiceing on patenice any way. thats the best thing that have happen to Terrell,Tx.-CLOSE THE D.DOORS,NOW "
Scary Thought wrote on Jan 15, 2007 3:23 PM:
" I do not believe that the citizens of Terrell could better care on the streets. Have you seen what is on the streets of Terrell? The hospital my be in bad shape, however; the employees are licensed professionals and know very well their area of specialty and how to take care of the patient. If you want to talk about TRIAD lets look at the fact that they pretty much allowed the physicians to walk out on the support of MCT. Had TRIAD put in the money to build the Docs a professional building, they my still be with us today. TRIAD had their heads stuck in the sand stating that The Baylor Clinic would not hurt the revenue at MCT. Well, if you worked at MCT, you would know that the out patient expenses (x-ray, lab, cardiology) were a large revenue maker for the facility. Now just about all we get from the Baylor Docs is non-insured patient because Baylor will not perform the test without payment up front,(100% for noninsured or if insured amount of deductable plus the 20% left) and if you do not pay in full within 30 days they will turn you over to the Credit Bureau. So all of this is in the past, however; it all needs to be considered in replacing the facility with another company. Terrell has made enough money off the facility so I see no reason why they should be asking for the sky while nogotiating with a future buyer - leaser. Come on City of Terrell, lets just get this fixed! "
MLK wrote on Jan 15, 2007 3:25 PM:
" do the brothers and sisters like the way the pro illegal groups are trying to use mlk to promote illegal movement of the invasion of our country. Hollar at Rhonda in House Keeping you's a mess and tell me whats really going on. "
That' Business wrote on Jan 15, 2007 3:36 PM:
" To: scary thought. triad did not have head in the sand it was the ability to buy the facility and land that stopped them from building the professional building the doctors wanted. They did make efforts to buy and were not able. And if statement was made that Baylor would not hurt revenue than that may have been attempt to prevent empoyees from worrying about their jobs. But I do agree with other comments. "
Who's your Daddy wrote on Jan 15, 2007 5:41 PM:
" The city is going to talk about red light cameras in the meeting on Tuesday according to Kaufman County On-line. Our city manager Gordon Pierce stated you sit on any corner and see people running through red lights. Funny how he could be engaged in discussing breaking traffic laws with a DWI pending.The city would split the money with acompany that supplies the cameras for free. The quote is not about making money but preventing accidents if you can believe that. "
Who's your Daddy wrote on Jan 15, 2007 5:52 PM:
" ... an article talks about a hospital being built in Forney by a company called Cirrus does anyone know this group. It states a 20-25 bed hospital it sounds like a facility that will not have an ER that could get stuck taking care of non-funded patients leaving that job to MCT if it stays open. Like to hear feed back on this. "
Who's your Daddy wrote on Jan 15, 2007 6:12 PM:
" Found them on google (Cirrus,hospital,Forney)
It sounds like the group partners with Doctors and that once again would be bad for MCT because they would want to bring in all the local surgeons and any doctors with a thriving practice. This problem has been reviewed by Fed's who had a hold on facilities like this because of potential conflict of interest. The hold by the federal gov't has been lifted. One of the compliants about some of these types of facilities is that some have no ER and are located in high income areas and leave all the risk (er and no pay pt's) for the other hospitals in area, many of these providers mainly focus on just surgery centers because of the money made. Many of the larger hospital chains also building these centers as well. This would not be a good situation for MCT. Bottom line when doctors own hospitals and centers like these there will be conflicts it is impossible to avoid.
"
robert wrote on Jan 15, 2007 6:22 PM:
" frist the city needs to get out of the hospital business, by number one apointing a board of directors apointed by the councel and county commisioners, third have a election to see if the citizens will approve a taxing athority say for .25 per 1000 val per residence.
next get a company for profit or none profit to manage it.last but not least they have to somehow come up with a way to build medical opffices next to or near by the hospital so doctors can performe outpaticant service at the hospital without driving to far, remember insurance companys do not pay for long hospital stays anymore, but maybe if the doctors office is close to the hospital more doctors will use the tmc. "
You know me wrote on Jan 15, 2007 6:42 PM:
" From the City of Terrells website, the hospital is not on the agenda for tomorrow nights meeting. That means citizens can address the Council about it. Now, I am sure there will be some type of rule found that will prevent people from speaking, but I guess we will see. "
concerned wrote on Jan 15, 2007 7:52 PM:
" Like I said , terrell has turned into another Parkland hospital. No one has commented on what I already said and I wonder why.... The hospital lost money because people with money went to Dallas. People with insurance went to a better hospital. People with no insurance went to Terrell. They are paying out but nothing coming in... If you were really sick would you go there in the first place?? Rockwall was Terrell's size about 10 years ago. The entire city has changed for the better. I bet they pay their medical bills there and they still have their hospital. You get what you pay for... bad service = no money. good service= more people then ones with no insurance coming in. Look at the difference between Baylor and Parkland. Its a no brainer that Baylor is first class and better people go there. Terrell hospital is Parkland just in a different city. That is what you get with a town full of crime and crack heads. Why do you think Chili's and other businesses are going to Forney? Higher class of people. "
CONCERNED RN wrote on Jan 16, 2007 1:27 AM:
" I THINK THE MAIN CONCERN HERE SHOULD BE FOR THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE THAT THIS IS THE NEAREST HOSPITAL FOR. BAYLOR IS MORE THAN AN HOUR AWAY FOR SOME PEOPLE AND AS AN EMPLOYEE AT BUMC I SEE THE TRANSFERRED PT FROM MCT. THE DOCTORS AND NURSES AT THE FACILITY ARE PROFESSIONAL AND KNOWLEDGABLE OF THEIR PROFESSIONS. IT WOULD BE SAD TO SEE THAT MCT MAY CLOSE BECAUSE OF "BUSINESS" ISSUES. PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING SERIOUS MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS NEED TO HAVE A FACILITY THAT IS CLOSE TO STABILIZE THEM. AS FOR PEOPLE COMPLAINING FOR HAVING TO WAIT, THE AVERAGE WAIT TIME FOR ANY ED IS 8-10 HOURS AND USUALLY LONGER. IF YOU CAN COMPLAIN ABOUT YOUR WAIT TIME, MAYBE YOU DO NOT REALLY NEED TO BE IN THE ED. EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MEANS OPEN FOR PT WHO NEED EMERGENT CARE, NOT A RUNNY NOSE OR ABDOMINAL PAIN FOR 2-3 WEEKS. I WOULD HATE TO SEE A PT DEATH DUE THEIR INABILITY TO RECEIVE CARE AT A CLOSER FACILITY THAN BAYLOR. "
RN wrote on Jan 16, 2007 1:30 AM:
" KP, RG, AND MF PLEASE GET A LIFE AND STOP YOUR WHINING, LIVE WITH YOUR DECISIONS TO LEAVE MCT AND GROW UP "
Dian Clark/Allen, RN,BSN,MSN,Housesupervisor wrote on Jan 16, 2007 3:16 AM:
" I am an employee at Medical Center at Terrell and have been employed here for almost 9 years. I have seen this hospital change ownerships three times since my employment, and each time the employees try to stay positive, while they wait to see what the next company is going to do with their time and benefits. The announcement of the hospital closing is very devastating to the employees and to the community. This hospital is responsible for having saved alot of lives because a few minutes can make alot of diffrence in a patients survival rate. I have seen alot of patients come to this ER in critical condition, and they have been stabilized and transferred to a higher level of care, or discharged home. I hope that no family member in this community loses a loved one because there will be no ER here to stabilize or treat a life threatening event. Kaufman Hospital is just down the road, but a patient could bleed to death, or loose heart muscle if those precious minutes are lost. The city of Terrell has three options according to what I have read, and that's to: sell the hospital, keep the hospital and do maintenance that needs to be done, or allow it to close, and let the land go back to the original owners. Thank You for allowing me to say this to the community. "
Billy Ray wrote on Jan 16, 2007 4:31 AM:
" Concerned comments have bothered me. They state the reason that they do not come to terrell is due to the poor care. I promise you this, mct nursing does the best with what they have. It is hard to be under-staffed and under-equipped. When you talk about poor care, dont hate the nurses -- hate the game. "
Hello from Terrell wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:55 AM:
" The City Council Meeting is Today. Hope lots of people show up to ask the City coulcil where the hospital's money has been going to and what they are going to do to help Terrell have a hospital. Having the hospital change ownership every 3 years is a problem, due to their unfit leasing agreements! The city must have a new plan stated TODAY! "
RG wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:49 AM:
" In resonse to RN comments at 0130. Life is good and have done no whinning on this board have only been hard on city. Have said nothing negative about mct or employee's. Very happy with employment situation and to be working at MCT. To the best of my knowledge KP would say the same thing, as for MF have no idea but quite sure he is happy MCT layed him off when they did, because he now has stable employment. Speaking for myself have made no remarks on this board that would show a need to grow up, but just the opposite have made comments that have brought to light the numerous issues that have lead to the sad situation we are all facing as a community. "
We'll see wrote on Jan 16, 2007 11:25 AM:
" MF? Is that Mary Francis from the comment on the first forum? "
Keep etmc ems wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:53 PM:
" I'm pretty proud of our ems. Belive me you do not want etmc gone. The city would get some private service for pennies, who is excited about doing their usual gomer totes. They have dust on their ccollars because they have never had a chance to put one on. "
Scary Thought wrote on Jan 16, 2007 1:34 PM:
" I checked the City of Terrell web site and they have a special council meeting at 5:00pm. Does anyone know what this is about? It ask to click on the attachment to see the agenda; however, I did not see an attachment. Maybe the city is doing this so that most miss out on the meeting. If anyone can help with this I would appreciate the comment. "
re: scary thought wrote on Jan 16, 2007 1:43 PM:
" The 5pm special meeting agenda is there; it says that after a call to order and invocation, they will receive a report from Ron Hobbs regarding the municipal facility, then adjourn into an executive session to discuss "consultation with an attorney" and "real estate matters - acquisition of property." Then they'll reconvene and consider action on things from the executive session, then conduct an agenda briefing for the meeting at 6pm before they adjourn. Hope that helps. "
in agreement wrote on Jan 16, 2007 3:12 PM:
" i am beginning to agree more with the "Concerned" person. Though everyone agrees that the city is charging a rent price that is too high, the hospital did not go under because they couldnt afford the rent. In fact, they shouln't have signed the lease if they didnt think they could make it. The prior two owners paid the same rent and couldnt make it either. Whether you admit it or not, more people go to the Terrell hospital that dont have any intention to pay back their bills then people who have insurance. The system is not balancing out. While the hospital is resposible for paying employees, they have to get money from the patients to be able to do that. Alot of people that need major surgery or need anything seriously done to them do go to Dallas because of the reputation of Dallas hospitals and doctors. if you were a landlord and your renters couldnt pay the bills, do you kick them out or tell them you are sorry for making them pay too much rent? If the next owners are not from a reputable organization you are going to have the same result. Too many people go out to the hospital here because it is last resort or like I have said before, have no insurance. there are not enough paying customers to offset the consequences. Just like "concerned" said, it has turned into another Parkland. "
newt wrote on Jan 16, 2007 4:38 PM:
" Yes, the public can attend the special meeting (except, of course, during executive session). However, I don't think the special meeting has anything to do with the hospital. "
robert wrote on Jan 16, 2007 4:42 PM:
" their is nothing wrong with the hospital that can not be fixed.the frist order is to have good equipment and staff inorder to atract more doctors with paying custmers, and more support from local government.
and by the way their many grants from federal and other nonprofits for alll kind of health programs, maybe the city needs ro go into limit partner instead as a land loard and they can qulitify for many grants which will help defray some of the cost "
bud wrote on Jan 16, 2007 4:46 PM:
" For "the answer" ok let's kick ETMC out of EMS in Terrell. Where do you plan on getting the million of dollars it cost to run an amublance. oh! wait the bond did not pass for the new fire and police facility, oh by the way there is no hospital here so when our fire dept has to transport to Dallas who will run your ambulance calls then. oh by the way none of your fire dept memebers are paramedics and by the way the only thing us tax payers pay for the amublance is the membership if we choose to do that. Otherwise they are here FREE. Most people do not think before speaking or either does not look at the whole picture in general. I am sure that these are things that you just did not have time to think before you spoke. "
That's Business wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:44 PM:
" Way to tell them BUD,that is the problem with some on this board they dont see the big picture. A lot of things have to be changed for the hopital to have a chance and many of them involve outside party's that are not owners/operators/employee's. The 10k rent is barely a factor at all. "
CURIOUS....... wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:18 PM:
" ANY NEWS ABOUT WHAT WAS SAID AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING THIS EVENING? "
... wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:25 PM:
" Where any questions asked to the City council and if there were does anyone remember them??? "
concerned wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:27 PM:
" A few of you on here have common sense but others are still going on on whos responsibility it is to take up the slack about the hospital. Like I said before, no one wants to go out there and wait with all the crack heads that dont have insurance. Though Dallas is farther away, the citizens that have jobs and insurance would rather go to Dallas if possible. What about people not paying their bills but the hospital having to pay their employees. It just doesnt balance out no matter what way you look at it. It just sucks. Does anyone agree with that or do I run a multi million dollar company because I am stupid? Ask the city council how many of them would go to Baylor or the hospital in Terrell if they had the choice. Maybe I need to go to MCT and just not pay my bills... "
CURIOUS....... wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:36 PM:
" IS THE 10K GOING INTO THE BLACK HOLE OR SOMEONE'S BACK POCKET????? "
CURIOUS....... wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:47 PM:
" I HAVE HEARD THAT PRESBY KAUFMAN HAS SEWER PROBLEMS AS WELL.....
"
Is MCT the money pit.?.. wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:54 PM:
" UHG! Sewer... sounds DISGUSTING!
Yes the building is pretty yucky for a regular hospital. But there is NO comparison to BUMC. Even if they restore MCT's building, BUMC took years and millions to become what it is today. It has tons of Docs, interns,and starbucks, LOL... a lot more people with a lot more money it is like comparing apples to oranges. You just can't fairly make the comparison,of a small town hospital such as PHK Cosby Germany, or MCT to St. Paul or Baylor Dallas, even if There where a brand new building in Terrell. Transfering all of our patients out there for a higher level of care, has sort of given them the tast of the good life. The only way to get MCT back is to renovate, restore or just rebuild. Tagging a name like Baylor on the front wouldn't hurt either. LOL! "
Is MCT the money Pit? wrote on Jan 16, 2007 10:07 PM:
" You know... I think we are enabling the non-working class or non paying citizens just by staying open. Let them go to Presby and become patients over there. Presby can take up the slack for the uninsured/ nonpayers as they have stated and then we can RENOVATE or REBUILD. The problem is will they stay gone. Hey, we can always hope right? "
pk wrote on Jan 13, 2007 5:12 PM: