Put a hold on changes at Springfield Hospital

John and Corky Bond
Springfield, Vt.
To the editor,

We’re worried. For the past three years Springfield Hospital has been losing money. It’s no wonder, after our recent personal experiences with their billing practices. Now , in bad financial times, they are considering replacing their current emergency department (ED) service with a new one. Emergency Services of New England (ESNE) has provided uninterrupted ED coverage and a positive cash flow since 1980. Somehow changing ED coverage is going to make things right financially. Another bad decision.

The hospital employs over 800 people and is Springfield’s largest employer. It’s fiscal health is therefore a great concern, especially for the employees, but also for every resident of Springfield. We can’t imagine Springfield without Springfield Hospital.

We’re sure the reasons behind the hospital’s difficult times are multifactorial, but the responsibility for its success or failure rests on the shoulders of the CEO. Red ink for three of the current CEOs four-year tenure would indicate it’s time for a change.

Please investigate, on your own, our allegations but while our community is working through this tough situation please encourage the Springfield Hospital leadership to put a hold on making sweeping changes , like replacing ESNE, that will affect the hospital’s long term health.

Sincerely,

 

John and Corky Bond

Springfield, Vt.