BGH to host town meeting Monday
REDSTONE TWP. – Brownsville General Hospital will host a special town meeting Monday to review the hospital’s current financial situation, new programs and the challenges it faces. “Those challenges being work force shortage, malpractice insurance and reimbursements,” said Karen DeiCas, the 109-bed hospital’s public relations director. “We will address clinical affiliations that we are currently working on.”
The meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. Those attending will get first-hand information on the status of the hospital, new services being provided, new diagnostic equipment, new physicians and participation in new insurance plans, including Health America/Health Assurance. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
“We are excited to share with the community all the current changes and improvements taking place at BGH, as well as provide them with insight into our future plans,” said Sara Poling, the hospital’s chief executive officer.
The hospital has a loose affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. DeiCas said closer affiliations are a possibility, though officials have not discussed a merger or a sale.
“We are experiencing challenging financial times. We also feel we are rounding the bend financially,” DeiCas said. “The new services that we’re offering and the money they are generating are part of that.”
DeiCas said the hospital’s financial details will be part of the presentation. Local officials will be briefed on the presentation before the public meeting, and all will be available for comment at the meeting.
“We have a special luncheon meeting at noon to discuss with them in advance the hospital’s current and future plans, as well as some of the challenges we’re facing,” DeiCas said.
Among those attending will be Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites, Redstone Township supervisors Ralph Rice, Ray Paris and Larry Williams, Brownsville Mayor Norma Ryan and Councilman Martin Redigan. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. John Murtha, state Sen. Richard Kasunic and state Rep. Peter Daley also will attend.
Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 724-785-1999.