UPMC’s purchase of Washington Hospital is a buyout
Last week, I was privileged to attend the hearing at Washington & Jefferson College hosted by the state attorney general’s Office regarding the takeover by UPMC of Washington Hospital. I was disappointed, however, with how it was run. During the public comment portion of the hearing, speaker after speaker rehashed the talking points which had already been expressed by representatives of UPMC and Washington Hospital. It became rather dull, and time ran out before many other speakers, including me, had their chance to present thoughts, opinions, and comments.
I am a resident of East Washington Borough and was reelected to our borough council last fall. I was on the medical staff for 20 years. My great-grandfather was on the medical staff when the “new hospital” was built in 1927. He helped with fundraising for that project. My grandfather was on the medical staff from the late 1930s until about 1970. He was a veteran of World War II and left for a few years, but he chose to return to Washington. He graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 1931. My father joined the staff in 1964 and I joined in 1997. My great-grandfather and father both served as presidents of the medical staff. I have roots.
Some may say, “Forget roots. Forget tradition. Forget history. Things change; the world evolves. Suck it up!”.
“Affiliation” is a word I heard again and again. That word is sugarcoated. Call it what it is; it’s a buyout. In the quest to absorb struggling hospitals, UPMC appears to be more than happy to toss around millions and even tens of millions of dollars. How can we say no to their offer? I just wonder how much money they really are sitting on. Perhaps the powers that be at our hospital might have bargained more and gotten an even sweeter deal.
Will our future board of trustees be populated by a majority of UPMC appointees? I fully expect that, but am remaining optimistic. If that topic was addressed, I missed it.
What about our administrators? How long will they last?
This situation reminds me of the fable of King Canute of the Vikings and of England. He set his throne upon the beach and commanded that the tide not come in. Well, you know the ending.
Douglas T. Corwin Jr.
East Washington
Corwin is a member of East Washington Borough Council.