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Saturday, November 01, 2008

PRMC Takes A Page From WalMart

When you or a loved one goes to PRMC and are in desperate need of a professional Anesthesiologist in the past, you were actually in one of the very best hands of any Doctors in the United States of America, believe it or not.

HOWEVER, the Board at PRMC places their main interest in making more and more money, therefore they are terminating ALL of their Anesthesiologists and are replacing Associated Anesthesiology with a NATIONAL Company called Sheridan, (sp?).

OK, so here's how the new company works. They go around the Country targeting Hospitals showing them they can make them far more money but as you and I know, there's always a catch. You see, when you're put under with this new company they allegedly allow a Nurse Practitioner to take over and the main Anesthesiologist is only called back in if there's a problem. So once you're under you're left in the hands of someone far less qualified.

Think about this for a minute Folks. All of a sudden ALL of the local Doctors that use this service are scared stiff for their own patients and with good reason. Many of the current PRMC Anesthesiologists have been here for 20 to 30 years in many cases and without any warning they have all had to go out and search for new jobs. They did this under the radar not allowing the current Anesthesiologists to resist.

There are "Hospital Loyalists" that will support the Hospital with whatever they say or do but let me assure you, there are MANY people/doctors extremely upset over this major change and so should YOU.

Many of these Doctors will have to move and sell their homes that they have lived in for years in a very soft market and start their lives over again. I understand the Cardiology Doctors are also very upset over the massive turnover at PRMC as well. They used to have a Staff of 40 and I'm told that had dropped to around 20. Many employees are simply leaving. Doctors are allegedly concerned for their patients care because of this turnover. Understand this as well. These Doctors know who they have been working with for many years. Once these Anesthesiologists are gone, that comfort zone is completely gone.

Then there's the new mega multi million dollar Layfield Tower where they have recently initiated a new "Code H" policy. If you've ever been a patient at PRMC you are aware that there is a button you can push to get a nurse to come assist you. Because they are so under staffed, now they give you a card with a telephone number you or a family member can call and they'll eventually get someone to come to you.

There are so many people bothered by this major change, my phone has been ringing off the hook for days. Similar to WalMart, the personal and professional care of the past will be replaced with a WalMart mentality.

Baltimore is looking better and better every day. If YOU know more about this story, please share that information in comments. I'll say this in closing. PRMC may not like the fact that I have broken this story but I will tell you that many Doctors are VERY concerned. Their livelihoods are on the line and this is like entering the INDY 500 and at the last minute changing your entire Pit Crew with people yo have no idea who they are and what they're capable of.

They are in the business of assuring they can and will professionally care for you and I'm sure they're confident they will still be able to provide the same kind of care but many don't believe that and I can see why.

84 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a doctor there a surgeon who is extremely distressed not only for my patients but personally. These guys/gals are wonderful anesthesiologist and good friends of mine.

It is a travesty that this is happening. I too am very worried about Sheridan and the itinerant doctors that they will send us. Please let the hospital know you are distressed and call the administration and vent your fears.

410-546-6400

Many of us have tried to work this out, but it hasn't been successful

Mardela said...

Joe, I've had 7 major surgeries in the last 6 years. Only one was in Salisbury and that was done at the surgery center. The rest have all been done in Baltimore. I plead with everyone, if you can take the drive, please go up the road where the Docs have been practicing on 5 times the amount of patients. The experience and care you can get at the worst hospital in Balto is better than PRMC. Believe me, I know from personal experience. If you want specific info, e-mail me.

I will say this. There is ONE doctor who I would recommend in Salisbury, and that is Dr. Kang. He generally works on hand and wrist/elbow injuries, but he is one of the best! I think he's still with Peninsula Orthopedics.

Anonymous said...

Joe, I thought you liked the Walmart/Sams Club business model.
If it works great in retail why not in the medical professions too?
S l o w l y but surely this is what we allowed to happen. With proponents of mass retail box stores (selling everything from hot dogs to gas) pushing their agenda what else would you expect?

Anonymous said...

Let the lawsuits begin. The most dangerous part of surgery is anesthesia. What does a nurse practitioner know about these drugs? I wouldn't go to PGH or PRMC or whatever it is called this week for anything. I'll take my chances on a ride to Berlin if its a real emergency or a ride to Baltimore if I can handle it. I'd call a Veteranarian before I'd go to PGH. They have far more training than a nurse practitioner.

Another question. Why do I have to pay the same fees to see a nurse practitioner as I do a licensed physician?

Anonymous said...

My neighbor was in the emergency
room for 12 hours. He is 80+ yrs old. He can no longer walk because of a stroke. They dropped him on the floor 3 times because they failed to put the information on his chart"he cannot walk"." he cannot use his legs"
They hace CNAs running the hospital for the most part. Most
nurses have moved with the doctors who have opened their specialized practice. Actually , the hospital
has never been a super medical facility . I laid in the emergency room for 13 hrs. 20 yrs. ago.
Damn near died with infection.
GO TO ATLANTIC GENERAL.

Anonymous said...

This is really a shame. There are many good doctors in this area and hopefully this does not run off the few good ones we have.

I'd recommend almost every doctor in Peninsula Orthopedics. They have taken care of me and my entire family numerous times over the years. I LOVED Dr. Stephanides as a child. He took care of my broken arm, operated on my knee and took care of my other dislocated knee when I was a kid. Now our family sees Dr. Petrera. He is taking wonderful care of multiple generations of my family. He is by far one of nicest most caring doctors I have ever come in contact with. He is truly a gift to this area. Our family has also been treated by Dr. McGinnis, Dr. Trauger and Dr. Hedger in the practice along with numerous members of their assistants.

I'd like to thank Peninsula Orthopedics for being their for my family for many years. To Dr. Petrera, thanks for being not just a doctor but a friend as well. Your care of my Grandmother before her passing and now my Mom and Grandfather will never be forgotten.

A faithful patient in Berlin

Anonymous said...

First of all people CRNA's Nurse Anesthetists are also wonderfully talented knowledgeable people. They have been working at PRMC (there are at least 5 that I know of) and I as a surgeon have great confidence in them.

All hospitals have CRNA's for the most part and they inform you that they are CRNA's when they meet you prior to your surgery and discuss the anesthesia. Lawsuits don't occur because a CRNA is doing anesthesia.. that is just being uninformed about medicine.

It's not the CRNA issue.. it's basically replacing most of the anesthesiologists with new ones that are not based in the community and won't be for months to possibly years... different ones working daily.. that is the scary part---not having consistency

Anonymous said...

I bet you that these doctors and nurse practitionors are foreiners, I bet there from India and Pakistan. Sold out again, If the CORPORATE POWER DEVILS can screw doctors how hard is it for them to crush regular middle class Americans. This is disgusting. We are truly at War people, we are fighting for our mere exsistence, for the right to be. Some of us are going to have to pay the ultimate price right here on our soil to stop this. I think its my destiny.

Anonymous said...

This is just plain unbelievable!

Anonymous said...

PRMC finally showing people it is a FOR PROFIT hospital.

It is nothing but a business to them anymore. They have outgrown their hometown roots and now are a mega hospital wanna be.

They spend millions and millions of dollars to get noticed and to get larger but could care less about the quality of care the patients receive.

They have probably chosen to go with this outside company to protect the hospital from lawsuits.
If an outside company is responsible for providing a service, they will be the ones sued if anything goes wrong, not PRMC. I could be mistaken, and if I am, I have no doubt someone will correct me on this, but I do believe I'm correct.
It's a "business" move.

We just went through this with my mother in law. Just because she's 83 years old, they want to automatically say she has dementia and move her to a nursing home.
Luckily my husband and I were there and were strong enough to take them to task. They had her on such strong pain killers that she was not even the same person and didn't even really know where she was after the pain meds kicked in. It took us several days to convince them they had her on too strong of medication! I threatened to speak to the Chief of Staff of the hospital and amazingly enough, they changed her pain meds that very hour!
This woman probably has more of her mental capacity in order than I do on some days! We couldn't help but think that the nursing homes and tied into PRMC for a profit share or something because of the way they were pushing.

Thank God, she is now back home in her own home and she is fine! She cooks, cleans, does her own bills and whatever else needs to be done daily. Since we both work full time, we have hired outside help to stop in daily to assist her with whatever she is not able to do herself and she now wears the lifeline necklace hooked up to the 24/7 monitor.
Keep especially them, away from PRMC and away from the rehab centers too if possible since even the rehab centers are ALL connected. Same person owns or manages all of them, and is hooked up with PRMC!

Anonymous said...

Sir:

If you mean "Sheridan Healthcare" read more at its website --

http://www.sheridanhealthcare.com/index.jsp?page

And the discussion "Changing Anesthesia Providers: A Hospital’s Dilemna" may be of interest - it's at:

http://www.sheridanhealthcare.com/sheridanUploadedImages/EHMFinal.pdf

Here's the opening paragraph:

“I can’t deal with this anesthesia group anymore!”
As a national anesthesia practice management company, we’ve heard this and similar
statements from hundreds of hospital executives. Many administrators will go as far as
putting the anesthesia contracts out to bid, without weighing the potential consequences
of this decision. Their medical staff may oppose it, finances might not allow for
operating room disruption, or they discover their issues are resolvable. Faced with these
concerns, a hospital may decide against outsourcing and end up paying their group a
subsidy or a higher subsidy. Either way, having to make the decision to outsource puts
the hospital in a tough position. Outsourcing anesthesia services can effectively alleviate
surgical and administrative pressures if the hospital administrator is educated about the
process and understands how to improve the probabilities of a successful outcome. Let’s
begin by discussing some of the contributing factors that lead to problems with a hospital
and its current anesthesia group.

*****************

PS: if you go to Baltimore for a procedure, be aware that Sheridan Healthcare does anaest. at Maryland General Hospital.

Anonymous said...

Xrayers Beware:

Sheridan Healthcare Expands Hospital Based Services to Include Radiology

see:

http://www.sheridanhealthcare.com/sheridanUploadedImages/Radiology_Press%20release.pdf

Anonymous said...

Sheridan Healthcare is a physician practice management company. The company manages anesthesiologists, neonatologists, pediatricians, and adult and pediatric emergency physicians. The firm also provides such services as recruitment and administrative services. Sheridan Healthcare's major customers consist of hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities. In addition, Sheridan manages group practices providing health care services for women, including obstetrics, gynecology, and midwifery. The company provides services to facilities in 15 states. In 2007 Sheridan agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman.

joe albero said...

Do you think PRMC is in Damage Control Mode?

Anonymous said...

Hellman and Friedman, should of known.

Anonymous said...

How many of these doctors and nurse practitioners are here under WORK VISAS.

Anonymous said...

Anesthesiologist in Baltimore, Maryland Full-Time Sheridan Healthcare Starting:$250K; Max: $300K

posted at:
http://www.mdjobexchange.com/search_results.aspx?userId=13

Anonymous said...

Shift work. No Call! Excellent Compensation

Sheridan Healthcare - Baltimore, MD

Facility Name Maryland General Hospital Facility Street 827 Linden Avenue Baltimore 21201
Duration of position Full Time Brief Description Shift work. No Call! Excellent Compensation Full Description Maryland General Hospital is a busy 245-bed teaching hospital with over 5,000 surgeries and 1,200 deliveries a year. Located in Baltimore just 45 miles from Washington, DC. The city offers an affordable cost of living, great neighborhoods, world famous culture and a waterfront filled with recreational opportunities. Looking for a dynamic, self directed CRNA to work 4/10s or 3/13s with NO CALL. CRNAs do not currently cover OB. For immediate consideration...

Source:
http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/sdxbijcalx/shift-work-jobs/

Anonymous said...

The community needs to rally our people who are going to be affected by this. Please share any and all information with us so that we can write letters, make contacts and let the hosptial know we expect better from them. They are always with their hand out wanting our support and then they pull a deal like this. We deserve better and they need to realize what goes around comes around. Apparently, it is all about money. Leighton Moore has been their advocate and now he needs to step up for the area residents now.

Anonymous said...

How did this come about without some media source reporting it? It appears PRMC must have wanted it kept behind closed doors so that the community couldn't speak before the deal was done.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, Sheridan, or somebody like them is all that PRMC will get, as they have so abused the trust and goodwill of the Anesthesiologists they have, that many will leave regardless. The continually use mistruths and deception to bully people. They threaten retribution if you do not follow their rules or suggestions. Many years of hard work and loyalty from many outstanding MDs and CRNAs amounts to nothing here. It would not be surprising to also see many nurses leave, as they are continually treated poorly

Anonymous said...

Behind closed doors is the way of business of PRMC administration and board of directors.

Anonymous said...

I remember another situation, several years ago, that PRMC bullied and strong armed their way into obtaining sub-acute beds that another facility locally had obtained. They had help from a county council person and his best buddy who was chairman of the board. They were referred too as the Big Black Bear then and it appears nothing has changed. What a shame for this area.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Again, without this blog we would be left in the dark.

Anonymous said...

This is very scary situation. Why don't the surgeons boycott and refuse to work under these conditions?

Anonymous said...

Joe:

I'm confused. Sheridan seems to portray that it is owned and run by physicians, but there are these other reports about it being bought and sold by investment firms (on Wall Street-?). Who owns & runs it? Could it be taken over by foreign owners & management?

$64,000 question: How did it get in with PRMC?

joe albero said...

anonymous 5:06:

Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money!

Anonymous said...

When asking everyone for donations, PRMC always emphasizes that everything they do is for the benefit of the community. Is it better for the community to have a higher ratio of nurse anesthetists (nurses who deliver anesthesia) to anesthesiologists (doctors who deliver anesthesia)? Absolutely not. However, this is exactly what PRMC is about to deliver to all of you through Sheridan. Why? Because it's cheaper for PRMC. Sheridan offered PRMC a cheaper contract than did the group of local anesthesiologists that has served this community with exceptional service for over twenty years. PRMC destroyed this group of physicians, your friends. PRMC destroyed an institution. How sad. How misguided.

Anonymous said...

I used to work there. I hated the greedy money hungry attitude of the higher ups. That was 20 years ago. It doesn't suprise me. Nice way to do business, lets all make money off of the poor patients and employees, but lets do it by comprimising their care. YOu know damn well these traveling drs. that will come with Sheridan could give a shit less about PRMC and our commmunity- its all about money. They need to have dr.s on the board making decisions. Not idiots who are only interested in making money any damn way they can.

R. Budd Dwyer's .357 said...

Could the Radiologists be next?

Follow me here:

1) PRMC buys the Daily Times building for Radiology purposes.

2) The current Radiologist are building their own outpatient center.

3) Peninsula Imaging, the current Radiologist, had no clue PRMC bought the building and it's plan to make it an outpatient Radiology facility.

It seems PRMC is trying to get rid of any Doctor group who doesn't have long term patient care i.e. cardiology, orthopedics, or surgical. Who's next after the Radiologist? The ER docs perhaps

Anonymous said...

Please keep this discussion going and updated.. There are important events coming up in the next 2 weeks at PRMC with this issue. Let's not make it die on the vine

Anonymous said...

Please share who sits on the board at the hospital so that we know who our enemies are.

Anonymous said...

I don't want anyone except a doctor to administer anesthesia to me. Period!!! If nurses wanted to do this critical part of care, then they should have decided to become doctors. And firms who use nurses more often than doctors have no place in PRMC nor Salisbury. Let's send a message to PRMC that we won't tolerate this type of care.

Anonymous said...

Hospital Administrators are historically and notoriously a-holes, but this really takes the cake. A group of great doctors well known to the community...they've taken care of your mother, brother, child...will be gone. Sorry Guys, you deserved better.

R. Budd Dwyer's .357 said...

Hey Joe,

After Barrie gets the boot from the Mayor's office, I have a feeling PRMC is gonna be your new foe in Salisbury.

Their incoming CEO Peggy Whatever makes Barrie seem like a saint!!!!

So Joe, don't even think about retiring or slowing down after Barrie takes the Incredible Hulk walk, because just like every superhero comic when one enemy is defeated, a bigger and stronger one takes it place.

Anonymous said...

Glad you reported this story. I was wondering why The Daily Times has not reported on it since it affects all of us. The hospital is sending away most of our highly qualified and caring anesthesiologists, who have worked and lived in Salisbury for years, in exchange for a group of transients that even the hospital knows nothing about. The hospital is even going to pay the new corporation a whole lot more money than they paid to Associated Anesthesia. No one, including the doctors, seem to know why this decision was made. Was it made by Peggy Naleppa or Alan Newberry? Those who have been hurt by this decision have apparently been ordered not to discuss it with anyone. The motives and alliances of the hospital are in question. Where was the hospital board during these sneaky negotiations?
It is dirty dealing for which the community will pay a high price.

Anonymous said...

I believe the Sheridan Health Group is meeting with the hospital doctors on November 6th. Maybe as a community we should show our support to the current Anesthesia Drs. and CRNA's. The hospital admin. is throwing them under the bus once again and this time many of them will leave no matter what the hospital decides to do. Dont think for a minute your donations, concerns and opinions matter because they DON'T. Peggy Naleppa are you feeling better yet knowing the people of this community are scared and all you care about is the money???????????? Admin has never cared about anyone but themselves. Anyone that wanted to make a difference is long gone or leaving so fast they dont leave a trail.

R. Budd Dwyer's .357 said...

Here's the names of the PRMC Admin

Alan Newberry President/CEO

Peggy Naleppa Executive Vice President/COO

Timothy Feist Vice President, Performance Improvement/Patient Safety Officer

Thomas P. Lawrence, MD, MBA CMO/Vice President, Medical Affairs

Cindy Lunsford Vice President/Ambulatory & Professional Services

Daniel Mulvanny Vice President/General Counsel

Scott Peterson Vice President/Human Resources

Karen L. Poisker Vice President/Patient Care Services

Bruce Ritchie Vice President/CFO, Finance

These are the people who are compromising your safety for a fast buck.

Alan Newberry is retiring so there is nothing he's really doing anymore.

Being and MD, Tom Lawrence should be standing up for his fellow Doctors.

About the Nursing shortage, Peggy Naleppa and Helen Poisker are RN's and should be fighting for adequate staffing for nursing. If Virginia Layfield were still around, we would be hearing about how great it is to work at PRMC.

But I can tell you from personal experience Tim Feist is one of the most honest and fair individuals you will ever meet. The man truly wants to turn the hospital around. He's the only executive who came and worked the entire day with each department he oversaw, so he could see how your workday progressed. We can only hope that Peggy Naleppa's reign and I mean reign as CEO is very short with the most minimal of damage, so Mr Feist can step into the CEO spot and get things turned around for the workers and patients.

Anonymous said...

Schedule a meeting for all concerned people to attend and announce it on this blog. We need to support our docs and staff.

R. Budd Dwyer's .357 said...

Show your support for the doctors by leaving an email or talk directly to the NEW CEO of PRMC Peggy Naleppa

Peggy Naleppa Vice President
email:
peggy.naleppa@peninsula.org
Direct Phoneline
410-543-7116

Now everyone be nice and smart with your comments. And if that doesn't get your anywhere, ask Peggy to recommend a fine hospital in Italy.

Anonymous said...

Darkhorse you are crass and cruel. YOu know what I mean. Shame on you. Most of the other commenters here are equally uninformed as you, if not so mean. The leadership of PRMC is not perfect but they are not evil. The anesthesiologists are excellent, and I am sorry that their lives have been so disrupted. However, the group has in large measure itself to blame. It is terribly sad that all of this has happened. Life goes on and PRMC, the surgeons who work their, and their patients will be just fine.

Anonymous said...

For the information of all of you the current anesthesia practice utilizes Certified Nurse Anesthetists for much of their current work. They have been trained at some of the most prestigious medical centers there are and have given anesthesia to several MD's and their families by request. I for one have had their expertise shown to me for my surgery with Dr. Brandon. They will mostly be leaving and a new group of inexperienced one coming in. Beware!!! Ask how long they have been here and how long they have practiced before you have your surgery. Ask also if they are students

Anonymous said...

Critic of Darkhorse sounds like a co-conspiritor. Did you really mean to say "Shame on us but there's nothing you can do now"

Chimera said...

Thats outrageous!There are ways to cut corners and this is not one of them!During my last surgery I had an epidural administered and believe me,when someone is sticking a large bore needle into my spinal column,I could give a sh*t about how much it costs or how to get it done cheaper-I want a REAL honest to goodness licensed anesthesiologist,preferably one who was been on the staff for as long as possible,to work on me!Anesthesia is more lethal than any surgery if it is not done exactly right!Are there any decent hospitals on the shore anymore?????

Anonymous said...

Clarification: CRNA's give anesthesia under supervision of a doctor, usually an enesthesiologist. This is a safe model when practiced by competent nurse anesthetists and doctors and is used in many hospitals throughout the country.

Don't know if the deal has been closed, but perhaps the hospital threatened to pull out of the purchase of Times building if the Times decided to report on this issue.

Anonymous said...

These are the trustees of PRMC, one of whom is an anesthesiologist! Alan brings on his friends to the board to protect him, it is that simple! Things will never get better as long as this continues.
Again it is the community who suffers. They keep on taking care of each other.
Farouk A. Sultani, MD, Chairman
Alan Newberry, President
Murray K. Hoy, EdD, Vice Chairman
Edward W. Urban, Secretary
Martin Neat, Treasurer
Michael E. Crouch, MD
Conworth Dayton-Jones, MD
Herbert J. Geary, III
Christjon J. Huddleston, MD
Marion Keenan
William R. McCain
Hugh McLaughlin
Irene Phillips
Monty Sayler
Brian Shockley
Jeffrey Turner

Anonymous said...

I work with "Medical professionals" here on the shore everyday. For the most part I have to agree if there is anything wrong with me worse than a hang nail or an everyday cold I GO TO BALTIMORE. By far, the Doc's in this area are some of the worst I have seen. There are those exceptions dont get me wrong. But every day I see people with some pretty nasty post op problems that should have never occured. There is No way I would allow the docs in this area to slice and dice on me if I could help it.

Anonymous said...

I believe we have some of the best doctors available anywhere. Saying that though, when I make the choice of the surgeon, I absolutely expect the most qualified anesthesiologist not a nurse who has been trained to do the doc's job. It is also interesting to see that only 2 women's names appear out of the 16 board members. That's another disgrace at PRMC

Anonymous said...

Was this a board decision or was it a decision from the administration?

Moon Willow said...

First of all, let me say that my late mother-in-law was a nurse anesthetist who worked at PRMC for many years, and there was never a problem. BUT---you are right---PRMC stinks to high heaven. I've had ONE good experience there when I had back surgery done by DR. Andy Pierre, who is my personal hero because I got my life back due to his skills. But every other time I've been to PRMC in the last 20 years has been a terrible experience. The Emergency Department is a joke, with docs and PA's who are arrogant and inept.

BTW, some excellent doctors in this area are Dr. Kang (you hit that nail on the head, mardela---we laughed all the way through both of my carpal tunnel surgeries, and they were smashing successes), Dr. Amy Walsh (internist), Dr. Andy Pierre (neurosurgeon), and for a pediatrician, you can't beat Dr. Ansari. Dr. Sebastian (osteopath) is kind and genuinely caring, and Dr. Rosenthal (pain management) helped me a lot.

Anonymous said...

It is my understanding that the Board oversees the administration. Primarily they are suppose to be the CEO's boss. That is typically how non profit boards work. They are to have complete authority over Mr. Newberry. He must answer to the board.

Anonymous said...

The fact that all of the anesthesia will be provided by transient nurses rather than community based doctors is scary; the hospital has made a huge blunder. The level of care continues to deteriorate at PRMC. When you consider the hospital's increased liability exposure, it has got to be the wrong decision, economically. Furthermore, it will remove $ 10,000,000. +/- FROM the local economy that was used to pay taxes and buy Wicomico County goods and services. The hospital administration SHOULD BE FIRED! How is this action in the best interest of the community? Joe, this is outrageous, Please post this again. The anesthesiologists is the beginning, there are bound to be other similar bonehead moves coming in the future!!!

Anonymous said...

If this is true, then any of us who know any of the board should make contact with them. They need to know about our concerns.

Anonymous said...

Joe, please keep this going. We have got to get the attention of the public on this one. There is a reason why you are the only one who has published this news. The administration is trying to keep it shushed. Don't let that happen.

Anonymous said...

My dad went into PRMC for a minor kidney surgery and died 3 days later on Nov 15, 2007. He was 43. It comes as no surprise to me that PRMC has no actual concern about the people they treat. I think the only reason I could ever go back into that dreadful hospital is as a process server. Take heed from the mulitple comments on this site urging you to go to Baltimore.

Anonymous said...

It is true that the result of bringing Sheridan here is that, apart from quality of care issues, lots of money/jobs will leave Salisbury for FL or wherever Sheridan sends their profits.

PRMC offers lots of platitudes about caring for the community, but it really only matters when it is their small circle of influential people. Small town politics and business is on display in all its glory here.

Anonymous said...

Yes, this will have detrimental economic effects locally. To start with, several docs will be leaving our area and the staff that supports them will be terminated also. I wonder if the administration ever considered this when making this decision.

Anonymous said...

Duh, that's called competition:

"Sheridan offered PRMC a cheaper contract than did the group of local anesthesiologists . . . ".

Wonder how many of the local docs & Crannies will be going with Sheridan and staying right here?

Anonymous said...

Nobody saves any money! The anesthesiologists are paid by paatients and insurance companies!

Anonymous said...

I suppose this means that there are kickbacks. I frankly don't care about the cost, i will never make another donation to PRMC. Their actions on this situation indicates exactly what the administration is all about.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to say there was no competition! The administration does not care about the Physicians, CRNAs,office personnel, nor the community for that matter. Anyone should be able to see how this was a perfectly orchestrated by two of the top Administrators and a couple of greedy Physicians. Notice previous comments that mention Sheridan's other specialities of ER and Radiology-it's just a matter of time before Sheridan has a contract for these specialties as well.

Anonymous said...

Joe, please move this to the top position or near the top. Look at the number of posts. This is a subject of critical importance not just to the Salisbury community, but to the entire Delmarva area.

Anonymous said...

wait folks.

Here's the problem. The group Sheridan is going to bring in 'rental docs' if you will, to come in for a very defined period of 30, 60, 90 days maybe. Then, when those contracts are up, they move on and ANOTHER individual comes in to replace him/her.
This is done in ALL aspects of healthcare. It is called TRAVELING. We have traveling nurses all throughout the hospital. Once in awhile, these travelers are very good at what they do. They are in it for financial gain (BIG PAYCHECKS), traveling, etc. Buy, in my not so humble experience, most are crap for providers. THERE IS A REASON WHY THEY TRAVEL FROM FACILITY TO FACILITY.

So, the pitiful truth is, you won't get hometown caring in your hometown hospital. You'll get an unknown face, who could give a hoot who YOU are, how important YOU are to your family. You are another airway to be maintained, some kinda way.

Listen here, i know these anesthesiologists. By and large they are fantastic. Even the one I didn't like took WONDERFUL care of my daughter.

I want those docs, people I know, people I trust to be at the head of the bed, making sure my loved one is alive and well, while the surgeon does his thing.

You call and write Ms. Peggy Naleppa. She doesn't listen to us.
It's all about the almighty Dollar.

And while I advocate going to PRMC to have all my healthcare delivered, as i know those folks, if they continue to allow the hospital to be bought out/sold down/made CHEAP, I'm going to Baltimore. At least I don't EXPECT to be important there.

--and yes, I am a member of the PRMC team. But it doesn't mean I kiss their ass.

Anonymous said...

I want to know how many of Sheridan employees are here on work visas.

R. Budd Dwyer's .357 said...

Here are the Top Ten reasons TO select PRMC as your Health Care Provider:

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Oh, crap I've got nothing. How far is Baltimore or Philly again?

Anonymous said...

Hopefully these Doctors will have their license in The State of Maryland. PRMC has been caught in the past on not checking up on the license status of their employees. I know their Radiology Department (X-ray, CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and Ultrasound)had a few employees who hadn't renewed their license for two cycles (1 cycle=2years) which prompted PRMC to mail letter to State licensed employees that it was their responsibility to keep their license up to date, well duh!!! But it's also the hospitals responsibility to obtain a copy of each Employee's state license to have on file. FYI all employees' renewal date is the same which is May 01 of every odd year.

P.S. all of the employees who were caught got promptly fired, but some were at it for 4-6 years working without a state license

Anonymous said...

I want to know what PRMC has on The Daily Times, WBOC and WMDT since this is something that will drastically impact the entire community. I am not exagerating. Think about the unemployment of so many good people at the worst possible time, the taxes lost, not to mention the other businesses in the area that will feel the impact as well. Once these current Anesthesiologists leave (and many will!) they will not be back. Sheridan however comes and goes. The community must get the word out and the other Physicians in the community MUST step up. If not for you own licenses then for your patients safety! Most in this industry know that the number of mal practice cases rise in these types of situations and you will be included in those suits

Anonymous said...

Do what I do, go to Baltimore for any procedures in which an Anesthesiologist is needed. F%CK Alan Newberry and the idiots at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Yes I said it and I will say it again. F%CK Alan Newberry!!

Anonymous said...

Up until now, there was no reason to go to Baltimore or anywhere else, as the anesthesiologists and CRNAs here in Saliisbury were as good as could be found anywhere, without exception!!! Quality of care was outstanding, and they were your neighbors and friends. Sadly, all that is now lost as your hospital administration has driven these fine people away.

Anonymous said...

For those of you who claim Baltimore is so great and mighty in healthcare; I have had 2 epidurals and both were administered by CRNA's. My son at 2 years old was almost transfered to Delaware because Baltimore (every hospital) had no available pediatric beds. Respiratory care services are almost always delivered by "travelling" employees. In our ER's not only will you sit for hours, but next to convicts much of the time.

Get over yourselves and learn the facts of the real story.

Anonymous said...

prmc has ALWAYS had "rent-a-docs" and nurses. particularly in anesthesia. Thay have ALWAYS paid the "locum tenens" huge amounts when compared to their staff employees. If the staffers ever wanted a little more money, they are told to take what you get, or go elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

An anesthetist is one who engages in the practice of anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is one who holds a degree in the science of anesthesia.
An anesthetist is either a nurse or a doctor who has completed the required training to practice anesthesia and has become nationally certified by passing a National Board exam for that practice. National recertification, regularly, for all is mandatory. There are some lousy at it while others are EXCELLENT (as in every field), nurses and doctors alike.

Anonymous said...

Nurses and doctors who give anesthesia are the CREAM of the crop. No one takes care of the entire patient as they do.

Anonymous said...

I was on the receiving end of a cocky anesthesiologist in Salisbury a few years ago. I tried to tell him my predisposing conditions and blew them off. I then later went into cardiac arrest and nearly died. I won't mention his name, but I won't have surgery in Salisbury anymore!

Anonymous said...

Bad outcomes happen in medicine, no matter the quality of providers. Go to Baltimore, or any big center, get lots of residents in training rather than highly experienced providers like we have here(soon to be --had here)

Anonymous said...

Yes it's true there are good and bad MDs and CRNAs. How can we keep the ones we know and trust yet get rid of the bad administration. They are the problem! The local news agencies want to keep this hidden. We must get the word out to the Board and let them know we won't stand for the administration making these types of decisions without their knowledge.

Anonymous said...

The decision is made and the damage has been done. Good luck against PRMC publicity machine. They are powerful in town and will destroy anyone in their path who dares disagree with them

Anonymous said...

Why I don't agree with everything that is going on in PRMC,I think that a big piece of this conversation is missing. Why are anesthesiologists being replaced CRNA's? Don't blame PRMC, blame your insurance companies. Insurance companies don't want to pay a doctor to do something a CRNA can do for cheaper. CRNA's make about 100,000 dollars a year, an anetesiologist make 250,000 to 300,000 a year plus. Big insurances companies, including BC/BS are refusing to pay the doctors. Big insurance is in need of some regulating.

Anonymous said...

Well, I guess the bottom line is this...


If this deal goes through, you will no longer receive care from people dedicated to the patients, to the hospital, to the eastern shore. You will get Joe Blow...dedicated to Joe Blow and his paycheck.

Did I miss the conversation about when they brought in WAVES of nurses from India? Oh the money they spent on that pursuit.....

Hell, there goes my raise again.

Anonymous said...

Working with these docs for the last several years has been most rewarding....for the most part. The guys who are leaving are the ones which I would, and have requested to put my loved ones to sleep. The ones that are staying, well lets just say they are the cause of all this and guess what....they went outside their committment to their practice to form a LLC. Im deeply saddened to think what an impact this will have on our entire community when they are gone. Safety of the patient will be compromised. I wish you guys all the best of luck and I pray you prosper from this. KEEP IN TOUCH!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Anonymous said...

The reason might be the money, however if the doctors would have stopped fighting with one another at the hospital this might not have happened. I am not just talking verbal confrontations, but fist throwing fights at PRMC the might still have jobs. How long should PRMC wait for them to act like normal people before they took action.

Anonymous said...

Facts: Sheridan will use traveling MDs and their own float pool of MDs who are typically the more senior, exprienced, talented people. Sheridan will recruit new anesthesiologists who will live in the area. Other than a billing and a management fee, all the money from anesthesia services remains to pay the anesthesiologists who will live in the area.

Anonymous said...

Any update on the radiology situation?

Anonymous said...

I was just reminiscing and had to laugh at the way things turned out. I'm one of the anesthesiologists who left. The PRMC Board and the CEOs Alan Newberry and Peggy Naleppa did me a huge favor by firing my group and forcing me to look for another private practice location. It was very stressful, but things could not have turned out better for me. I went to work with a great group of anesthesiologists and surgeons at a fantastic hospital in a lovely community. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!