Hospital Board candidates respond to questionnaire

The Healthcare Debate 

As anyone who lives in Florida knows, nearly everything is on the line with public healthcare. Several of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board candidates recently faced off in a dynamic forum held by the League of Women Voters. They confront a strong set of issues this November. 

We invited all 11 candidates to respond to 6 questions relating to public health, Medicaid funding, mental health, hospital expansion, and more.

Thanks to all who are giving their time and energies to public life. Special thanks to the candidates who participated in this project. 

The candidates are listed below in the order presented by the Superintendent of Elections. Each respondent's name links to her or his responses.

This project was undertaken by the Citizens for Sarasota County (CSC) in the interest of sharing knowledge of the issues, the candidates, and the mission of the Hospital Board in a non-partisan way. The hope is better acquaintance with the substance and facts will lead Sarasota's voters to make these important decisions with discernment and judgment. 


Hospital Board At Large, Seat 1                        Kevin T. Connelly 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 1                        Sharon Wetzler DePeters 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 2                        Miglena Entcheva 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 2                        Tramm Hudson
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 2                        Reid Schwabach 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 3                        Cheryl Brandi 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 3                        Susan Tucker
Hospital Board Central District, Seat 1            Jody Davenport
Hospital Board Central District, Seat 1            William P. Noonan
Hospital Board Northern District, Seat 1        Delores "Dee" McFarland 
Hospital Board Northern District, Seat 1        Jim Meister 

For more on these candidates, see the Herald Trib Oct. 24 article by Barbara Peters Smith.

Six Questions for Sarasota Hospital Board Candidates

Last Monday's Hospital Board forum presented by the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County offered those who attended many superb insights into the health issues affecting Sarasota County residents, and the candidates proffered a range of positions on those issues. 

By the end of the forum, it was clear to all that the questions facing Sarasota Memorial and the task of public healthcare are large, complex, and highly significant to our residents. To make what's at stake more available to our voters, each candidate has been invited to respond to the questions below. More about the Hospital Board here. A description of the Board's responsibilities is here.

1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position? 

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?   

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds? 

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act?

We have asked each candidate to provide their written responses by Noon Friday, Sept. 30. We will share their responses verbatim.

***Candidates are invited to provide photos and links to their sites.

Hospital Board: 6 Questions for Jody Davenport

Jody Davenport

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1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position?

I don't see any pros in privatizing our community hospital. It is essential to the health and well being of our community that our hospital remain publicly owned and operated. For profit corporations tend to eliminate services that aren't traditionally profitable such as pediatric care and labor and delivery services. Research shows that as access to quality Healthcare declines, so does the average life expectancy. Therefore, I would vehemently oppose privatization.

 
2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?

I am in favor of the current expansion to meet the needs of our citizens. As the population of the county continues to grow rapidly, it is critical to our lifestyles that we broaden our reach into our undeserved communities.

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

North Port is the largest city in the county and we need to focus our expansion efforts on where there are critical needs. Parents should not have to travel for hours to obtain quality Healthcare for their families.

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's
uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds?

The state has failed its taxpayers by choosing not to expand Medicaid. Children and the elderly are among our most vulnerable citizens and to prevent higher costs in the future we must ensure that we maximize funding now.

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

It is unimaginable to me that we live in the wealthiest country in the world, yet our legislators are not willing to help provide for the needs of the citizens of this State. This is not about providing charity, many of those in need are the working class. Having basic health care needs met should be a right, not based on one's financial abilities. If your home or apartment catches on fire, the fire department will do everything they can to put out the fire, without asking how you're going to pay for their service. Education is a right, police protection is a right and health care should be as well.

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act?

As a nurse, I am a staunch advocate of patients rights. We must urge our elected officials to honor their duty to serve the needs of the public.  

With SMH providing the only acute care services for mental health in our county, Administration and the Hospital Board must act locally and be vocal in emphasizing the need for our citizens. We currently have a major drug epidemic that could be devastating to an entire generation and their children if we don't act with intense purpose.

 

Hospital Board: 6 Questions for Sharon Wetzler DePeters

Sharon Wetzler DePeters, Nurse Practitioner

Sarasota County Public Hospital Board At Large, Seat 1

1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position? 

In my experience, having been a healthcare practitioner in both private and public hospitals, I found for every one advantage of privatizing there are several advantages for remaining public. Just to mention a few, our community private hospitals tend to be small, while SMH is accessible with over 800 beds in Sarasota as well as the clinics strategically located around the County. Insurance forms are regulated, and care tends to be more expensive in private hospitals while SMH proves to be more affordable and in fact will not turn anyone away needing care regardless of insurance and/or ability to pay.   In comparison, SMH is obligated to invest all profits back into the public hospital whereas private hospitals have no obligation to do so.  Consequently, there is no doubt that I am in favor of keeping SMH public.

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?

I totally agree with the current plan for SMH to pursue a hospital in Venice in order to meet the growing populations medical needs.  In a recent Herald Tribune article, community leaders voiced the need to have a hospital for a wide variety of reasons including the rapid growth population estimated at 10,000 new residents in the next decade. “SMH is a taxpayer-supported hospital, and residents deserve access to that care in South County just like in North County.”

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

With revenues and patient volumes increasing, I am confident that the administrators will move forward to provide our community with a low cost, high quality of care facility that focuses on meeting the needs of the people it serves. However, there is much planning and preparation required to proceed. With that being said, I would like to see final approval plans and ground breaking within the next few years.

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds? 

I stand in favor of accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds, however, I am not looking forward to the Federal Government’s involvement once we accept do accept the funds.

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

Unity begets power. It takes more than a few to speak out and be heard.  State lawmakers must be in tune with the needs of each Florida communities that struggles with moral and financial issues while caring for the healthcare needs of their population. Let our voices be heard and don’t settle for less.

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act? 

According to 2015 demographics in Sarasota County, 17.6% of respondents report having health status limitations because of physical, mental, or emotional problems. In addition, 12.2% of county population income is below 100% poverty level. 

Last week, a Mental Health Forum was presented at SMH with a distinguished panel of experts discussing treatment options, personal challenges and triumphs of those living with mental illness, safety issues, and strategies for reducing stigma, mental health reform and more. It comes at a timely opportunity for Lawmakers to approve expansion of Federal Medicaid funds.

Hospital Board: 6 Questions for Jim Meister

Jim Meister

Hospital Board Northern District, Seat 1

1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position? 

For over 90 years SMH has been a tax payer funded and community owned not-for-profit hospital providing excellent care. It must remain not-for-profit!  As a for-profit institution it would be owned by the shareholders who have a vested interest in revenue and earnings rather than servicing the community.

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?   

SMH must meet the needs of the people of our community and provide the services to meet these needs. Our expansion of the number of Urgent Care Centers, building a soon to be opened 45 bed Rehabilitation Pavilion on campus which will provide patient focused inpatient therapy to help people overcome the challenges and disabilities caused by illness or injury, our alliance with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to build a pediatric care center on the upper floor of our 24 hour Emergency  Care Center in North Port, and our new partnership with Florida State University College of Medicine for a new internal residency training program which allows us to build a medical clinic in Newtown to provide more convenient  services for that community are a few examples of the many ways we are meeting these changing needs.

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

Expansion depends on meeting the changing medical service needs of our community and our ability to fund growth that does not jeopardize our strong financial ratings.  

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds? 

I am in favor of taking the Medicaid expansion for two reasons. First, I believe that more members of our community with coverage is better for everyone. Second, I believe that Floridians already pay taxes for this but get no benefit because of the state’s refusal to accept Federal Medicaid Funds.

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

Actively urge and encourage the Legislature and the Executive Branch through lobbying, writing and meeting with local representatives to express our concerns for the people who have no or inadequate healthcare due the underfunding of Medicaid.

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act?

Our inability to fund and provide quality mental health services is a national disgrace. Our federal and state governments, with help from current providers and all concerned citizens need to come together to find a better way. What we have now is not working. The lack of a shared plan and resources results in unacceptable treatment and care for those in need!!

SMH Bayside Center for Behavioral Health is the only hospital in Sarasota County offering inpatient psychiatric services to patients of all ages, including children and adolescents at a time when many other providers have limited their services. We also are the only hospital to provide evaluation, and care in a specifically designed unit located in the Emergency Care Center for behavioral health patients with medical issues. More needs to done. SMH must address its aging Behavioral Health facility ng plant and increase the availability of Psychiatrist candidates and professional staff with expanded recruiting efforts. The county and city of Sarasota must together find the ways and means to provide housing and support services for homeless and community members with behavioral health needs.

Hospital Board: 6 Questions for Delores "Dee" McFarland

Delores “Dee” McFarland

Hospital Board Northern District, Seat 1

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1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position?

I see no upside in privatizing SMH.  SMH should remain a community non-profit hospital because it is publically funded, more affordable than private hospitals, and is not subject to a large corporate owner looking to make a profit for its owners/stockholders, often at the expense of quality care. And, SMH provides a safety net in the county for the underinsured and the uninsured. My position is to stand guard against any movement to privatize SMH. Despite its tremendous growth and all its honors, Sarasota County’s only publicly owned hospital remains the only not-for-profit hospital in the surrounding 4-county region and provider of safety net of care for the community.

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?  

Sarasota Memorial, founded in 1925, is one of more than 30 nonprofit community hospitals in Florida. I agree with the current expansion plans to create more beds in South County, including North Port and Venice. The current expansions to provide more medical services on St. Armand’s Circle and in Newtown are also good, however these expansions need to be closely monitored to assure that SMH does not overextend its budget. Also, fair and equitable contracts with physicians in these communities is also important.

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

Successful expansion into south county within the next 12-24 months with approved Certificates of Need and partnership with local physicians groups and citizens in the respective communities is key to successful future expansion.

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds?

Florida Republicans' antipathy toward the Affordable Health Care Act is the only reason why the state has not accepted the Medicaid expansion that came in conjunction with this act. The Supreme Court said states could decide whether to participate. Traditionally Medicaid in Florida has covered low-income children, frail elderly and disabled adults, and pregnant women. Since 2013, the ACA would provide Florida an estimated $51 billion over the next 8-10 years to expand Medicaid coverage to about 1.1 million of the lowest-income uninsured. It is purely political that Florida does not accept this Medicaid expansion, which will continue to have serious impact on SMH’s uncompensated costs which increase significantly each year. We must convince the state legislature to accept this additional funding.

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

Taxpayers can write and petition their local state representatives and senators to let them know that we need to accept these funds. If citizens get enough traction on this issue, it can impact the outcome of the upcoming and future elections. Citizens should vote for candidates who support accepting these federal funds.

6.   Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act?

Recently a group of mental health professionals met at SMH. The panel discussion, “Mental Illness: Seeking Solutions for Sarasota County,” brought together nearly 200 county residents interested in developing better care, treatment and options for local individuals, hosted by the Sarasota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. The hospital can serve as a conduit for further community coalitions to bring about a paradigm shift in our community regarding the need for improved mental health services. SMH can promote its position to state legislators on expanding mental health services that may be funded by ACA.

Hospital Board: 6 Questions for Cheryl Brandi

Cheryl Brandi, DNSc, ARNP, NP-C

Hospital Board At Large, Seat 3

1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position?

My position is to protect and maintain Sarasota Memorial Hospital as a community hospital and I will fight to keep it that way. It is fiscally sound—and profitable, it is the only community hospital for this entire region, it provides services such as obstetrics, behavioral health, neonatal ICU and services to the underinsured that no other local hospital can support, it is nationally recognized as a magnet hospital and has obtained the much desired CMS five star rating. People relocate here from other states because of the availability of the services this system offers. It is the also second largest employer in the county. Why would we want to sell off this jewel in our midst? I see no value in privatizing this hospital and would question any motives to do so as being simply for-profit motives at the expense of care and service to our local citizens.

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion? 

The current expansion has been very valuable to the community—better pediatric services in Northport, a clinic in Newtown, a new rehabilitation center, a medical residency program—(to name a few)--all very needed community services.

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

We need south county hospitals—would like to see one in Venice and Northport. Northport is one of our fastest growing community segments and merits a hospital. Better access to the quality care that the SMH system is capable of providing in these regions is a common theme expressed by south county groups I have encountered, and I hear it often in may own clinical practice from individual clients and families. Our south county constituents pay taxes for SMH, and deserve a better share of services. I also support a better push for more preventive services, as well as expanded behavioral health services and services to our aging populations and their caregivers. However, with rapid growth also comes an obligation to maintain careful checks and balances in matching vision with resources, as well as maintaining and improving quality and safety.

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds?

I cannot understand why this state is lacking in accepting the Federal Medicaid Funding as it would provide for better access to care for hardworking underinsured people caught in the “gap.” It would enable better access to care for people with behavioral health and neurodegenerative disorders. It would provide easier access to care for preventive care to women and obstetric care, particularly important with the current threats that the Zika virus presents to women of reproductive ages in particular.

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

The taxpayers can vote intelligently for those individuals who support the expansion. Continued lobbying is also important. Contacting region legislators works well—letters, visits, supporting PACs that support the issue helps. Voting for the people who sincerely want to represent the voice of this community is particularly important in this election!

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act?

Persistence is the key to this issue. I believe Medicaid expansion is inevitable, but we need people who are willing to research and lobby and rewrite proposals and white papers and to continue to pursue this issue with our officials in Tallahassee. It took almost 20 years for nurse practitioners in this state to get recognition for their ability to provide better access to care by practicing to their full scope of practice, so we know that persistence and diligence work in resolving issues at higher governmental levels.

Hospital Board: 6 Questions for Kevin Connelly

Kevin Connelly

Hospital Board At Large, Seat 1 

1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position?

The primary responsibility of the CEO of a private corporation is to maximize shareholder return( According to the Harvard School of Business). Medical decisions will be made to ensure a profit, that are not necessarily in the best interests of the patient. We must keep our SMH a community hospital that puts patient welfare first and serves all Sarasotans from Newtown to North Port.

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?

I agree with expansion plans that include a Venice and North Port locations

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

Venice first while at the same time initiate studies to find a North Port location and commence the planning process.

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds?

The State of Florida should accept Medicaid funding!

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

Unfortunately partisan politics is preventing Medicaid funding. We need to elect legislators that put peoples interests first—not special interests! Electing Democratic legislators would be a good start!

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act? 

SMH should define the issues involved, define the requirements, prepare a budget to address these issues and go public to gain community support. Hold our elected officials accountable.

Hospital Board: 6 Questions for William Noonan

William Noonan

Sarasota County Public Hospital Board, Central District - Seat 1

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1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position? 

I completely support the continued operation of Sarasota Memorial as a publicly owned hospital. The performance of the hospital by all measures has been strong including patient satisfaction, key quality and safety measures, as-well-as the financial operating margin which allows for expanding services, all while reducing the tax revenue received as a % of total revenue over the last several years.  

Many residents don’t realize what services many for-profit hospitals do not provide because of these services low or no profit margins. For example, Sarasota Memorial is the only hospital in the county that provides childbirth services (over 50 percent of these patients are enrolled in Medicaid or are uninsured), neo-natal intensive care (over 60 percent of these patients are enrolled in Medicaid), inpatient pediatrics care, a Level II trauma center, inpatient psychiatric services.  SMH also has a Community Medical Clinic that provides a wide range of free diagnostic and specialty care for underinsured or uninsured patients. 

The Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board, executive team as-well-as our experienced and highly-skilled doctors, nurses and medical technicians work together every day to ensure the highest quality of patient care and satisfaction for our entire Sarasota County community. This is reflected in the numerous awards SMH has achieved, most notably the Federal Government’s CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) 5-star award for overall quality and safety.  Only 2% of hospitals nationwide achieved this recognition level.

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?

I completely agree with and have supported the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital. 

We all know that Sarasota County is growing at record rates.  In March of this year, the US Census Bureau released new statistics that showed the Sarasota metro area was ranked 11th on the list of fastest-growing areas in the United States.  Almost every day there is a new story about development going on in North Port, Venice, Honore Ave in Palmer Ranch, the 75 corridor, University Ave and downtown Sarasota. That directly translates into the need for more medical services for our residents, workers and visitors.  Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s average census (the number of patients in the hospital at a given time) has increased +25% over just the last 4 years. 

The SMH executive management team and the Board of Directors has anticipated this growth and the resulting patient need by expanding medical services and access to that care throughout Sarasota County. At the end of 2013, SMH opened the new Courtyard Tower - a state-of-the-art, nine-floor facility with floors dedicated to childbirth and neonatal care, cardiology and orthopedics.  Some recent examples include the new Level II trauma center, nursing and rehabilitation pavilion under construction opening in December, plans for the new Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Clinic in North Port slated to be open in 2017, the internal medical residency program in Newtown and the St Armand’s Urgent Care Center which will open in October to name a few.

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

I see the continued need for additional medical services throughout Sarasota County to meet the population growth needs that I talked about in question 2.  This would mean additional primary and specialty medical practices where there is a need and is underserved.  That was a major driver in the announcement establishing an Internal Medical Residency Program in partnership with the Florida State University College of Medicine to address local physician shortages. The program will include a new adult Internal Medicine practice in the Newtown community that will serve as a base for resident physicians’ outpatient training and provide care to an underserved population. 

Also, I believe and support the need for a hospital in the Venice area, as well as North Port as soon as it is feasible.  In terms of Venice, I feel there is a clear need for SMH to establish a new hospital there.  It will ease capacity restraints at the main hospital while providing alternative services to South County residents, workers and visitors.  The Venice area has the needed physicians and medical staff as well as the population demographics to support a new hospital.  The case for an additional hospital in North Port will take time. The average age in North Port is younger and therefore needs less hospital services.  Also, there just aren’t enough physicians located in the North Port area to support a hospital.  SMH opened a free-standing ER in North Port over five years ago to bring emergency and outpatient services to the community.  We just recently announced plans along with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to open a pediatric specialty clinic on the 2nd floor of the ER building. I support the continued effort to bring new and additional medical practices to the North Port area including primary and internal medicine care, obstetrics and specialty care. This will build the medical services capability that a new hospital requires.

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds? 

I support SMH accepting Federal Medicare and Medicaid funds.

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

Similar to any issue that taxpayers would care about, they should contact their Florida Legislature representatives to express their opinion.

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act? 

Sarasota Memorial is the only hospital in Sarasota County providing behavioral health care for patients of all ages. SMH’s Bayside Center for Behavioral Health is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, accredited by the Joint Commission, and approved by Medicare and Medicaid. Their professional, certified staff members are available 24/7 for urgent consultations or by appointment during normal business hours.  The Center provides clinical assessment, connection to resources, referrals, inpatient psychiatric services and Baker Act support. I would like to see more local medical providers and clinics accept Medicaid.  That would support Medicaid patients getting medical services sooner and at a much lower cost to the program then waiting until a medical issue is significant and going to the Emergency Room. 

Also, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota County just partnered with Sarasota Memorial Hospital on an interactive panel discussion about needs and options for area residents dealing with mental health conditions. They brought together members of local medical and mental health organizations and community residents to discuss options for mental health treatment, challenges, reform and strategies. This is the type of community program that can make a real difference in this area and I support SMH’s participation in it.
Government funding for expansion of mental health services will have to be decided by the Federal and State governments.  

 Sarasota Memorial, as the county’s only safety-net hospital needs financial support to continue to provide high quality medical care and expanded services to meet the needs of the community.  The SMH Hospital Board and executive team have worked in close collaboration for years to operate the hospital as efficiently as possible and will continue to do so. We have an excellent track record.

Hospital Board: 6 Questions for Tramm Hudson

Tramm Hudson

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1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position?

Sarasota Memorial Hospital was founded in 1924. In 1948 enabling legislation was passed by the Florida legislature to establish public ownership of the hospital to be governed by an unpaid, nine person board elected from the citizens of Sarasota County. I support the continued public ownership of  SMH. I believe public ownership ensures the very best medical care for the most people in our county. I do not see any major pros of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?

I support the current expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital into Venice and the North Port area. I also support the establishment of the 5 Urgent Care Centers strategically placed around the county to provide convenient delivery of health care to our citizens. The expansion of rehab services with the new rehab hospital now under construction will expand those services as well. Finally the building of a continuity clinic in Newtown is an appropriate expansion of services to this under served market.

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?  

We should always be open to new opportunities to deliver the very best health care to the citizens of Sarasota County. Future expansion should be undertaken after careful study and thorough deliberation by the board.  

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds?

The decision to accept or not accept Federal Medicaid Funds is the responsibility of state government, not the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board.

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

Taxpayers should contact their state representatives and state senators and express their opinions.  

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act?

As a safety net hospital Sarasota Memorial has extensive psychiatric services. Since the closing of the G. Pierce Wood hospital in Arcadia we have seen a continued increase of the need for mental health services in our county. I support the additional funding for mental health services in our county.