OPINION: Yes, I am watching what happens at St. Joe’s. But I’m using the hospital, too. Here’s why you should as well. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
George Hinton, Social Development Commission
September 9, 2019
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George Hinton, chief executive officer of the Social Development Commission, writes that the community must do more than criticize Ascension St. Joseph Hospital, it must also use it.
As CEO of the Social Development Commission, also known as the SDC, the largest community action agency in the state, it’s time for me to speak out about Ascension St. Joseph Hospital again.
You may recall last year reporters wrote about medical cutsplanned for the only hospital serving Milwaukee’s northwest side and beyond. Advocatingfor Milwaukee County residents, SDC took a hard stand. We publicly criticizedthe proposed cuts of surgical and inpatient services stating the plan was a contradictionto the hospital’s governing mission.
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Conversations between SDC and Ascension St. Joseph Hospital(affectionately called St. Joe’s) were uncomfortable at that time. Perhaps that’swhy a friend was surprised to see me – of all people – wandering the halls atSt. Joe’s on a day off.  Iexplained to him, like I’m explaining to you, St. Joe’s is my hospital. My kidswere born here. On this particular day, my doctor ordered some diagnostic tests,and I was here to take them. The outstanding quality of St. Joe’s medical care hasnever been in question.
So why wouldn’t I be here? And shame on me if I’m not.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we take the pressure offSt. Joe’s. The hospital must meet our health care needs. Customer service and clinicaloutcomes should be second to none. However, as patients, we have a role to playtoo.
We must use the hospital.
As someone with commercial insurance, I have moreopportunity to pick and choose where I want to go for medical care. When Ileave my community and bypass hospitals like St. Joe’s for just the aestheticsof a more luxurious hospital, I become part of the problem. Too often peoplethink hospitals in underserved communities offer substandard care. As a formerpresident of one of the larger hospitals in an underserved area, I can tell younothing is further from the truth.
Think about it.
Hospitals that serve a sicker population have doctors andnurses that regularly treat a wide range of medical conditions. They seeeverything. And often, their patients seek treatment when a condition is in anadvanced stage or there is an emergency situation. It takes good, experiencedproviders and support staff to address those healthcare needs. You will findthem at St. Joe’s.
St. Joe’s may never have all the fancy artwork or waterfallsthat other hospitals have. Personally, I don’t need them. What I need is moreavailable staff to provide high-quality care with great customer service.
Here’s a second reason to use St. Joe’s.
Recently, my friend’s sick mother went to the hospital (notSt. Joe’s). She spent three days waiting in the emergency room before ahospital inpatient bed was available. Maybe these long waits have happened toyou or someone you love.
Here’s my point.
If a hospital like St. Joe’s further reduces or eliminatesservice, it will negatively impact the balance of healthcare coverage in Milwaukee’sunder-served communities. With less resources available, there will be more patientswaiting to get a bed or other services.
Here’s the third and final reason I suggest you make St.Joe’s your hospital. Ascension says it’s committed to the community. It reverseddecisions to move or cut additional critical services.
That means, the next move is on me.  And you, too. Especially if you havecommercial insurance.
Hear me clearly.
I say let’s continue to hold St. Joe’s accountable to thecommunity. SDC will continue to work with organizations like the St. JosephAccountability Coalition. But just as healthcare systems are accountable to us,we must do our part by doing business with the hospital. Otherwise, ourconcerns and protests are in vain.
If you can choose which hospital you use, I encourage you tochoose Ascension St. Joseph hospital. That’s where you’ll find me.  I’m going to stay, fight and invest inSt. Joe’s so it can serve our community for generations to come.