In an open letter to South County’s leadership shared with Becker’s, the group expresses concerns over recent oncologist resignations, staffing shortages, service eliminations and system CEO Aaron Robinson’s “abrupt, callous and confrontational” management style. The letter describes a specific July exchange between physicians and Mr. Robinson as “contentious.”
“We urgently call on the board of trustees to take immediate and decisive action to realign management to safeguard the sustainability of our health system and foster a supportive, positive environment for both staff and patients,” the group said in the letter.
In response to the letter, South County Health’s Chairman of the Board Joseph Matthews and CEO and president Aaron Robinson released a joint statement, shared with Becker’s.
“These assertions are being made without context by those who do not understand the measures South County Health’s administration took prior to arriving at what are often difficult decisions,” Mr. Matthews and Mr. Robinson said in the statement.
South County Health cites the “challenging healthcare environment” all Rhode Island healthcare systems are experiencing due to skyrocketing costs and low reimbursement rates as the “root cause” for the changes and concerns laid out in the open letter.
“We are asking for ongoing dialogue and, to some extent, the benefit of the doubt before rushing to judgment or sharing misinformation that is a detriment to the community,” the statement said. “No matter the challenges we face, our true north remains the well-being of our patients.”
The health system’s statement also encourages community members to visit a newly launched website dedicated to addressing concerns shared in the open letter.
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