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Y! MyWebAtrium cuts 5 leadership positions
Hospital also will close its award-winning Bariatric Wellness Center due to competition.
COMMENT: Are you concerned about staffing moves?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
MIDDLETOWN — An Atrium Medical Center official confirmed Wednesday, June 25, the new hospital will be cutting five senior director positions and closing its Bariatric Wellness Center.
"We are always looking at positions and how to be cost effective," said Sandy Oswald, director of communications and marketing. "We did find it necessary last week to make some changes in our leadership positions."
The senior directors were notified last week their positions would be eliminated. Oswald said they were not new hires, but rather positions from Middletown Regional Hospital.
"Businesses typically look to be rebalancing their staff to make sure they have the right people in the right positions," she said. "It's just these particular positions were no longer needed in the organization."
The five positions eliminated will not be replaced. The workers will either be absorbed into the hospital's health group — Premier Health Alliance — or receive "outplacement services," Oswald said.
The move comes within eight months of moving into its new building. Atrium's decision to close its award-winning comprehensive bariatric program stems from increased competition, Oswald said.
"To sustain the Center of Excellence award, we found with increased competition and a redundancy of services within the region we were not getting the amount of surgeries necessary for it," she said.
The hospital will still complete the surgeries but no longer will offer a comprehensive bariatric program including nutrition, exercise and psychological services, she said.
Employees have been notified, but Atrium has not determined an outcome for the approximately 11 affected positions, Oswald said.
The hospital will be sending out letters notifying patients of the change in services over the next few weeks, she said.
Comments
By DOUG YOUNG
July 24, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
ATRIUM IS TO BUSY SPENDING MONEY ON NAMING RIGHTS TO LOCAL ATHLETIC FIELDS SUCH AS MASON & LEBANON. THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING FOR ATRIUM , THE SCHOOLS MAY WANT TO HAVE A BACK UP PLAN INCASE ATRIUM IS NOT AROUND IN 5 - 10 YEARS.
CALL IT WHAT YOU MAY - TO THE PEOPLE OF WARREN COUNTY IT IS STILL ” MIDDLETOWN HOSPITAL ”
By DOUG YOUNG
July 24, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
ATRIUM IS TO BUSY SPENDING MONEY ON NAMING RIGHTS TO LOCAL ATHLETIC FIELDS SUCH AS MASON & LEBANON. THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING FOR ATRIUM , THE SCHOOLS MAY WANT TO HAVE A BACK UP PLAN INCASE ATRIUM IS NOT AROUND IN 5 - 10 YEARS.
CALL IT WHAT YOU MAY - TO THE PEOPLE OF WARREN COUNTY IT IS STILL ” MIDDLETOWN HOSPITAL ”
By John
July 22, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
The Atrium is amazing. I have never in my life seen a hospital where the family is kept so comfortable while visiting loved ones. It’s also very clean and kept that way, no worries about catching something from the drinking fountain etc. All the equpiment is top of the line and yes, it is a great place to work.
By John
July 22, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
The Atrium is amazing. I have never in my life seen a hospital where the family is kept so comfortable while visiting loved ones. It’s also very clean and kept that way, no worries about catching something from the drinking fountain etc. All the equpiment is top of the line and yes, it is a great place to work.
By JAA
July 3, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
I didn’t enjoy not being told about my surgery being cancelled, because of closing. I went to Premier Barlatrics, yesterday. They do have a better program. I see why more people was going out of town for Barlatric surgery. Listening to the talk around town, more cuts at AMC to come. Keep cutting and all that will be left is a Beautiful building with no one in it. No pateints or workers. If the AMC is in such DEBT, try cutting the upper Brasses Benifits, not the workers.
By Joker
July 3, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Dear Proud AND Embarrassed, WOW! Are you a long time employee or are you new to AMC?
Quoting you, “That’s quite a picture being painted…watching stones being thrown”
If you’re a new employee I understand that you are proud to be working in such beautiful and spacious building that has been built and you should be “PROUD to tell people I work at Atrium” for you work in a very beautiful building.
By Joker
July 3, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
The issues at AMC go a lot deeper than just closing ONE department as they have done. But, until you have been seen as a patient or a loved one of yours has been a patient. You will never understand the pain that we do!
Sure there are patients that have absolutely NO problems with the care that they have received from AMC or the former Middletown Regional Hospital.
By Joker
July 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
What happens to those patients that haven’t received proper care and have been sent home?
These being told “there is nothing that we can find wrong with you” or their told that they are “drug seekers” when they have been in pain!
By Joker
July 3, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Those patients have gone home some have DIED within hours or days after being “treated” as a patient.
Or those that have went home, only to have a family or friend beg them to be seen at a different hospital and when they go to a different hospital they are admitted or even worse have been sent directly into an emergency surgery!
By Joker
July 3, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
These are not “stones” these are not issues to be “PROUD to tell people I work at Atrium”.
These issues are common place with AMC and/or Middletown Regional Hospital as they once had been called. These are the TRUE REASONS to be “embarrassed to tell” people that “I work at Atrium!”
By Joker
July 3, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
In closing of this one department has only shown how inept management is or has continued to be!
Before closing this ONE department, logically a person would think, those that have already started into the program would at least get the opportunity to complete the program or have then money refunded and be compensated for this!
By Joker
July 3, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
The MANAGEMENT at this point has allowed NEW patients enter into a program without warning to them or even suggesting they look into a different institution for this service that they have poorly promoted.
By Joker
July 3, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I personally only knew of the program because of my insurance company let me know that AMC even had this program available. Other programs in the area, such as Miami Valley, Kettering or even the location in West Chester promote their programs!
Hearing that AMC had a program was welcomed news to me! I could enter the program see a local doctor and enjoy the benefits of having my local hospital provide me with a surgery that will improve the longevity and quality of my life.
By Joker
July 3, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
That was something that being a lifetime resident of Middletown that I could be “PROUD to tell people!” A dream comes TRUE in Middletown! Finally! Residents have something to be PROUD of!
Now reality has set in and the NIGHTMARE continues! AMC is proving once again new building with the SAME OLD POOR THINKING! AMC has left patients in complete darkness of the possibility of this closure! Thus, preventing the patient to make the MOST INFORMED and CORRECT decision of their LIFE!
By Proud AND Embarrassed
July 1, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Thank goodness the rest of the area businesses, residents, and employees don’t seem to be dealing with the same economic problems as AMC and the rest of the country. That’s quite a picture being painted…watching stones being thrown at AMC for making painful decisions. What a community we have here! I’m PROUD to tell people I work at Atrium…I’m embarrassed to tell them I live in Middletown!
By Proud AND Embarrassed
July 1, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Thank goodness the rest of the area businesses, residents, and employees don’t seem to be dealing with the same economic problems as AMC and the rest of the country. That’s quite a picture being painted…watching stones being thrown at AMC for making painful decisions. What a community we have here! I’m PROUD to to tell people I work at Atrium…I’m embarrassed to tell them I live in Middletown!
By JAA
July 1, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU JOKER!!!! Your right PS doesn’t have a clue.
By Joker
July 1, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Hey PS!
Do you wear size 52 pants if your a man? Or if your a woman is your waist line greater than 10? What is over weight to you?
Do you have to deal with the emotional and physical pain from being over weight?
Did you know that have such a surgery could SAVE a person’s LIFE?
Sorry JAA! I don’t know you but I have some of the same issue that you do! PS hasn’t a clue!
What is the value of a person’s life PS?
By Joker
July 1, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Dear PS,
If you’re asking “I’d like to know what all the fuss is about.” then you must not understand what it is like to have BMI above 35.
Some of us have been battle weight issues since grade school. We have been teased, picked on, and have other kids start fights with us.
As adults, we have been shunned, hidden away, again teased, passed over for employment or promotions. Simple things like going to buy clothes at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Khol’s becomes a depressing event.
By JAA
June 30, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
This comment is to PS,If you have to ask what the fuss is about. You have never known a person that had needed the BWC. For the patients, it could be the differece between life and death. A surgery date isn’t a easy date to get. It is a very long, rocky, and alot of hoops to jump through, and alot of emotions. I Was within 2-weeks of surgery, cancelled because of the closing of the BWC. A letter would be sent to the patients. One week till surgey date, still no letter. Show alittle COMPASSION!!
By Joker
June 30, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
New building but the same old problems!
If you have an actual emgerency please hang up and call a different health care location. Do not allow them to admit you! Tell them to transport you to a REAL HOSPITAL.
One that will provide you HEALTH care! even after opening this hospital again shows that they will continue to hire nurses and staff that will not follow doctor’s orders.
By PS
June 28, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
I’d like to know what all the fuss is about. Yes a new hospital was built and yes cuts have been made. If a position is no longer needed, why spend money to keep the position available. As far as the Bariatric Center closing, why not; it was not making the money Premier thought it would. Why keep a center open, if it does not bring in a profit? And the ER, if people who come in for colds, scrapps, or silly things, just go to their doctor, you wouldn’t have the wait. The staff is trying.
By J
June 27, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
I totally agree. The only place a person should consider for bariatric surgery is one that provides the whole gamut of services - pre-surgical education, quality surgery and post op care and lifelong counseling and support services AND is caring and compassionate. Many programs are now providing on site fitness, nutritional counseling, etc… All research points to the fact that patients have better outcomes with comprehensive programs. Find a program where the people treat you like a person
By JAA
June 27, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Amc will still offer weight loss surgery, but not the follow up care that is needed. Why would A person pay the $20,000.00 Plus for just the surgery. Go to another hospital that would also care enough to have the follow up care you need. Doug McNeil and others had a big dream. A dream that was to big. You had the vision and made it happen. You didn’t stop to think it is to much to fast! The way of the future is build and inprove, not build,offer and take away.
By Atrium Medical Center Employee
June 26, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
To the public,
I am a Atrium Medical Center Employee, and ever since we have been bought out by Premier, Middletown Regional Hospital/Atrium Medical Center has never been the same.
I feel sorry for the ones that were cut in there positions and all, however, some of this positions were created for them, so that they would not have to do bedside nursing anymore or be a manager of a unit.
So, who is going to be next Doug McNeil?
By Kim
June 26, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
I think it’s pretty bad that the gorgeous new building that went over budget, has cost 11 people their jobs. When their kids ask why their parent is on unemployment and unable to provide for them, just tell them that Doug would rather have fancy lights and chairs, then to give their Daddy a paycheck. That should make it easier for them to accept.I think it would be wonderful for everyone affected by the Bariatric Center’s closing, to write Doug and let him know what they think about his decision
By amcemployeeforthemoment
June 26, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
I’m an employee at AMC, and a pt at the Bariatric Wellness Center(BWC). The BWC is closing because they don’t bring in the money Premier Bariatric Center(PBC)brings in. Why? BWC refuses to provide drive-thru service! They believe in a quality program that teaches and prepares the pt before and after surgery. They will be with you for life! Can PBC say that? My sister, their pt, says No! And now this is where AMC is now sending us for follow up care.Thanks DOUG!
By amcemployeeforthemoment
June 26, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
The truth is:
By J Again
June 26, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Those experiences are unbelievable. Bariatric surgery is a wonderful tool for many people. I’m sorry to hear that you had such bad experiences.
By karen
June 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
My sisterinlaw had surgery at Atrium campus. She lives in WestChester so she had many choices. Three weeks post surgery she was blown off by her surgeon, ended up at Bethesda North admitted with MRSA. Two weeks on IV antibiotics and lots of complication. Strange: her orginal orthopod is unaware of these happening. Thanks for the GREAT patient relationship
By JAA
June 26, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
The next 2 blogs are backwards. They go together. I typed more than was allow inone blog, so the got posted ouut of order. Sorry for tthe confusion. JAA
By JAA
June 26, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Still no letter. I will be better off going to another hospital, one that cares for the person. My surgery was scheduled, I should have gotten a phone call. I shouldn’t have to find out the way that I have. Not get a letter days before the schduled date. I have been preparing for months, not to mention the liquid diet before the surgery. The Center was’t bring in the money, to pay for the new hospital. So close it and whp cares about the patients that have shedule surgery!!!!
By JAA
June 26, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I was within 3 weeks of having Gastric By-pass in the hospitl with an infection. Very excited about having this surgery. How did I here about closing of the Bariatric Center, my husband called the Bariatric Center to let the know I was in the hospital. They told him that the office was closed the day before, and I would have to find another doctor. We would be recieving a letter in th mail soon. It is less than 2 weeks away from the date , that I was suspose to have surgery. read next blog
By Ted
June 26, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Perhaps Doug McNeil will be “rightsized” next - other hospitals in Premier have received new CEOs. New facilty, new name - perhaps new leadership will allow the old Middletown Hospital to finally lose an undeserved reputation - it appears they are trying everything else. Perhaps they hire more emergency room staff while reducing overhead and focus on quality of care.
By Ted
June 26, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Change is inevitable. Six months into a new facility and the hospital is now “rightsizing” its staff - this should not really be a surprise. It may be sad to see some long time employees depart, but it will be an opportunity for someone new to provide leadership and as much as I hear people complain about the hospital this should be welcomed. Perhaps Doug McNeil will be departing soon - other hospitals in the Premier network appear to have changed CEOs. Quality of care starts at the top.
By J Again
June 26, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
With Atrium closing the bariatric center, where else can I go?
By J
June 26, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Has anyone out there had bariatric surgery at Atrium? Was it is a good experience?
By Long term MRH loyal employee
June 26, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Yes they have eliminated positions of leadership and all but one are over 55 years old! And now their departments are going to be covered by younger, less paid,less educated employees. AMC/PHP doesnt care about their very loyal employees who consider this their family and home. It is so sad but then the CEO couldnt keep his well paid position unless he got rid of these top leaders (mostly nurses) in our hospital. More to come, they are done yet!!!
By c
June 26, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Atrium has more long term issues once the new Health Alliance West Chester opens. Atrium charges the uninsured twice the amount that Health Alliance charges(Ft. Hamilton) I’ve wondered if the new campus is being paid for on the backs of the uninsured. Check out www.hospitalvictims.org and search under Middletown Regional. Their charges that they pass on to the uninsured are way out of line.
By ch
June 26, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Atrium is in trouble once the new Health Alliance hospital opens in West Chester. Atrium charges 2 times the amount that Health Alliance charges for services. Who is paying for that new campus? - as far as I can tell, it is the uninsured. Check out www.hospitalvictims.org(under Middletown regional) The medicare stats speak for themselves.
By Concerned About Risig Energy Costs!
June 26, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Concerned that the Atrium is nothing more than a hospital, which ruined Middletown by moving, which won’t grow, which isn’t going to be a major heart center, which isn’t going to be a major trauma center? Well, no! I’m not worried. Nurses and admin staff have plenty of career avenues available, and the only ones who gained from the hospital being sold were Doug McNeil, the Board, and Premiere. And think how many nurses will leave when taxes hot 2.25%! I’m concerned about Iran and Israel.
By Tracey
June 26, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, it rings true that ‘bigger is not always better’. Being loyal to your staff and community and striving to provide excellent service, even if in a smaller facility, is more important. So many businesses seem to believe that walking into a grand building should yield enthusiasm. It does, at first. But, then something tends to get lost along the way. First the meals on wheels went and now this. It’s sad.
By Resident of Middletown
June 26, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Honestly, who the hell cares, Middletown Hospital, (I know Atrium) all that hospital cares about is your insurance coverage, please by all means don’t help those in need, make sure you have enough money to donate to the foundation, doug mcneil’s hairpiece, and the glamorous decorations, before you even think about asking for help with your health care. As I said Bariatric Wellness, who cares, anyone with half a brain would go elsewhere, anywhere, just not Atrium
By Name Correction
June 26, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Correction to the Article - The health group in the article is listed as Premier Health Alliance - The correct name is Premier Health Partners.
By Concerned about Life!
June 26, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Concerned about staffing? Nope, Middletown is being sandwhiched by other hospitals. Word is out about how unloyal the organization is to it’s faithful who have been a cornerstone for the hospital for years. People here will not stay, they will move on to the next hospital, the one that values it’s employees, everyone can watch and see!
By Get a New Pic
June 26, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Does the journal not have a picture of the hospital completely finished? The pic you are featuring does even show the whole story!