A memo will be coming out shortly outlinging the imminent holes in IM coverage.
Not just SMMH but both sites!!!
The hospital needs to share this information direct with providers before I can discuss dates with anyone.
The process to look for help when you need an internist for a patient ( to transfer, consult , or outpatient consult) that has been used at SMMH in the gaps before will be the same that is applied to HDMH gaps.
Lots of work has gone into trying to get coverage ( including more money offered) but the coordination of this work now falls under the new IM chief role of DR Salem. Since he started this role the short term and long viability IM coverage has been discussed at length. MAC again discussed it too this week at the MAC meeting.
I have been very clear that no internal medicine on call at either site is not an option in our current ER and inpatient models. I have been very open about the patient, provider , and corporation risks I think these gaps pose.
I also have vocalized how difficult this makes our ER work. How stressful it makes our ER work . How these holes are leading to physical burnout. And how we will be loosing ER providers should the this current model of IM coverage ( with holes in coverage) continues.
I have become a broken record with our COS, CEO, president of our medical staff, and chief of IM expressing these concerns.
Just thought I would let you know that advocacy has taken place repeatedly and while the hospital , IM Chief, and COS are each accountable to this problem no solution is yet forthwith. Happy to talk about with anyone one on one or at next group meetings.
What is the administration’s action plan when we have no coverage? Critical care bypass? Should the public be made aware of the risks involved with our under-serviced hospitals? I am growing exceedingly uncomfortable working when there is no IM coverage. The ER docs absorb the volume, the workload, and the stress. We are forced to use our backup system more (without any additional financial support for the hospital). I would like to hear how the administration plans on compensating the ER physicians for this additional burden and increase in stress and anxiety.