There is a strong possibility that Abington Hospital will merge with Holy Redeemer.
VIDEO: Abington Memorial, Holy Redeemer announce joint venture
This is the beginning of an article written by Karen Heller for Philly.com:
Abington
Memorial Hospital, the only level-2 trauma center in Montgomery County,
enjoys a sterling reputation for its more than 60 physicians in
obstetrics and gynecology. The medical center is far larger and
generates more than twice the revenue of Holy Redeemer.
Yet, in the announced merger of the two hospitals, one that is being widely decried by staff and patients, the Catholic medical facility appears to triumph in dictating reproductive health care policy to secular Abington, eliminating abortion services, while securing chairmanship of the board.
It's a case of the marlin swallowing the whale.
For physicians and patients who make clear, conscious decisions about working at or patronizing a sectarian or independent medical facility, the merger is heresy.
Yet, in the announced merger of the two hospitals, one that is being widely decried by staff and patients, the Catholic medical facility appears to triumph in dictating reproductive health care policy to secular Abington, eliminating abortion services, while securing chairmanship of the board.
It's a case of the marlin swallowing the whale.
For physicians and patients who make clear, conscious decisions about working at or patronizing a sectarian or independent medical facility, the merger is heresy.
Other relevant articles:
The Outcry:
There are many sites opposing this merger.
The Support
Life Choice.com supports the merger.
We want to hear from you! How do you feel about this merger?
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ReplyDeleteThis is a blow for woman's healthcare. Yet another attack of woman. When will it end. We are becoming a third world country!
ReplyDeleteThe "merger" as reported is a bad step for the Administration of AMH. Clearly, AMH is a much larger hospital and bills at a much higher rate. Yet, the directives of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops appear to be the main consideration. Our community hospital belongs to the community and the Administration needs to think in these terms. Disturbing is the apparent fact this has been handled as a backroom deal by the people who stand to gain most directly - the administrators of the hospitals. Doctors reportedly learned of the merger through the media. The community certainly wasn't involved in this exploration. This proposal needs to be slowed down and given the proper consideration the practitioners, the community residents and the donors to AMH deserve. To continue without due respect for the stakeholders can only broaden the chasm that has erupted in our community. Bill in EP
ReplyDeleteI take an objective view to this. Not completely sure why it is okay that reproductive services need to stop. In the merging of two hospitals, Abington had the larger outreach and revenue.
ReplyDeleteVery odd decision making -- makes no sense.
I don't think this is a good idea at all. Just from reading the articles I have it sounds like a lot of potential controversy and less benefits for people in need of certain medical benefits and women's needs and rights. .
ReplyDeleteThis complete BULL! Woman deserve the right to BASIC health care! Sometimes abortion is in the best interest of the health of the mother. We are losing what once was a great hospital to be taken over by the church. Will they object to rape kits too?
ReplyDeleteFor those interested there is another FB page called STOP the Abington Hospital Merger. There is the petition mentioned above that will be presented to the hospital. Sign if you agree with it, please. Let your voices be heard! You can write your opinion directly to Abington Memorial here on FB by going to Abington Health, FB page.Let them know your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYou should attach the link to that facebook page here. you will have more success getting people to sign.
DeleteHere is thelink to the petition:
Deletehttp://www.change.org/petitions/the-leadership-of-abington-memorial-hospital-stop-the-merger-with-holy-redeemer-health-system
Two thousand Stop the Merger pins have been made. Should have them in hand tomorrow and then then we will post where you can pick them up.
ReplyDeleteMERLIS SAYS "THIS IS NOT A DONE DEAL"
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to a new article regarding the merger:
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/20120715_Details_still_to_be_worked_out_in_Abington__Holy_Redeemer_partnership.html