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Contributed commentary by Jim Coursey.
As Dec. 2 2024 approaches, the date set for voting on the proposed takeover of JSMC by Deaconess in Evansville, I urge you as a responsible, caring and thoughtful member of the JSMC Board to please consider the following points. Whatever decision you make will impact Hopkinsville and all of Christian County in a significant way, so it is vital to come to a decision that best serves the needs of the entire community.
1. The catalyst for this speedy decision to sell to Deaconess was the ongoing two-year-old problems with the inefficient EMR (electric medical recording) system currently in place. Help solving this problem was sought by JSMC from many including Vanderbilt, Deaconess and others. During these discussions, somehow the requested systems help morphed into a Letter of Intent with Deaconess to sell the hospital, not just EMR assistance. JSMC changed direction to focus on the sale of the hospital, also called membership substitution. Since JSMC’s financial position is quite secure, should we not continue to address the original problem of the EMR, and consider later what to do with the hospital itself, without this rush to sell? Before we sell or partner with any other institution, JSMC can field this EMR situation by bringing on a contracted or limited arrangement for an EPIC or equal system and still remain financially sound.
2. Unlike the Henderson Hospital which was in poor financial condition when taken over by Deaconess, JSMC is not in poor or precarious financial shape, in fact it is in very sound fiscal condition, currently purchasing more real estate. The understandable financial scare from the failing EMR system, and the resulting short term, and temporary, losses have unfortunately been presented as being “in financial distress”. The question has already been raised about a possible takeover of Deaconess by another institution. Where would JSMC fit into the picture if this were to happen? In that event, JSMC might really find itself in “financial distress”.
If JSMC is absorbed by Deaconess, the substantial amount of money, over 100 million dollars, that has accumulated in the treasury of Jennie Stewart from gifts to and earnings from the hospital over the last 100 years will be gone. We must decide what we would gain in the bargain for the loss of one hundred million dollars and further weigh it against what other institutions are willing to offer. When Deaconess and Baptist Hospital in Madisonville merged, it resulted in a partnership that was not just a “membership substitution” giveaway. How does the proposed Deaconess deal with JSMC compare to that of Madisonville’s? Has the JSMC Board studied the affiliation between Wilson County Hospital and Vanderbilt as a model success story including awards for improved and substantial patient care? These vital questions beg to be answered.
The ultimate goal of any hospital is the quality of its patient care. Once fixed, the current EMR cash drain problem will be solved and those resulting savings can be earmarked for clinical services. All this can be done “in house” prior to making any decision about the ultimate future of JSMC.
3. It is my clear understanding that both Vanderbilt and the University of Kentucky Medical center have expressed interest in having serious discussions about being part of JSMC’s future. Both are very willing to talk. As teaching hospitals Vanderbilt and UK have much more to offer than Deaconess does. Vanderbilt already has a presence in Hopkinsville. Additionally, joining forces with Vanderbilt or UK would in all probability be a much more financially friendly and viable deal for JSMC, than any conceivable deal with Deaconess. Let’s compare and see.
4. The numerous “just say no” signs around town serve to show the increasing number of persons and even prominent institutions in our community who are seriously concerned about JSMC’s immediate and long-term future. To avoid any ambiguity, these signs are merely speaking to JSMC Board members and asking each member individually and as a group to JUST SAY NO. Although our community in ever growing numbers is speaking out, we still do not have answers to the most basic questions being asked, that are of paramount interest to us all.
5. To summarize, JSMC is not in any financial trouble at all. Therefore, there is no rush to make any deal with any other institution. We have the luxury of time to consider all viable options, including to continue operating independently, or with a minor partner. It is, therefore, imperative for us to explore all these available options in order to secure the best possible program for JSMC’s healthy and prosperous future.
I urge you and every other board member to probe the depths of this situation, with community transparency and ask questions yourselves until you are satisfied that your vote is the correct one. When Harry Truman was once asked how he would describe a leader, he answered, “A leader is a fellow who can convince people to do what they should have been doing in the first place.” I am encouraging each and every Board member to be a leader at this critical time in JSMC’s history.