As Paul Harvey used to say “here is the rest of the story.” Bartlett Regional Hospital finds itself again the victim of unwarranted and dangerous accusations regarding patient safety and quality.
What’s most discouraging is that these unjustified accusations are coming from a hospital board member and medical leader in the community. I feel compelled to respond to Dr. Lindy Jones and stand up for the organization and our hardworking employees, and our partners at Gastineau Human Services, who live in this community — they deserve better.
First, patient safety and quality are of upmost concern to the dedicated physicians, clinicians, and administrative employees of Bartlett Regional Hospital. We would never jeopardize the health and safety of our patients, period.
The disposition of Rainforest Recovery Center (RRC) is at the center of Dr. Jones’ latest dispute with hospital leadership. Up until Sept. 24, RRC provided level 3.5 drug and alcohol addiction treatment services, including specific medical services not included in a level 3.1 facility. Juneau is fortunate to have a very reputable level 3.1 facility in the community under the leadership and care of GHS.
The hospital board has actively participated in deliberations, decision point documents on hospital services and finances, and community hearings on RRC. On June 25 the board unanimously voted for Board Resolution 05-2024. That resolution approved the closure of RRC this year if hospital management could not secure permanent funding of approximately $1.8 million annually. It also directed management to engage other parties to find alternative funding sources and other providers to take over services if funding was not available. This direction reflected the board’s recognition of the vital importance of these services and its desire to see the services ultimately continue in the community.
Fortunately, a willing community provider stepped forward to support the transition of services. GHS has a lengthy history of providing quality services to individuals affected by substance abuse and mental health conditions and has developed a sustainable funding model to support its residential substance use treatment program. We are very grateful for their partnership and commitment to the Juneau community.
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the uncertainty of sustainable funding to support services at RRC led to the resignations of several staff. The hospital previously experienced this same situation with both Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy and Crisis Services. In each instance, as the CEO I made the decision to close services, irrespective of any timeline set by the board, when it was clear all options had been exhausted and we did not have the staffing needed to continue providing a safe environment of care for patients.
The CEO’s first and foremost responsibility is patient and employee safety, and our team ensured a safe discharge for exiting RRC patients. An employee’s first and foremost responsibility is to their family, and the hospital accommodated many impacted program staff in a transition to new positions within the organization. The fact that they hung in with us for over six months of uncertainty is a testament to their dedication and the hospital’s transparent decision-making.
The hospital wants to maintain a positive reputation in the community we serve that reflects the outstanding service of our dedicated physicians, clinicians, and employees who live and work here. Dr. Jones’ comments create a more difficult environment to retain and attract these professionals and build trusting relationships.
Intentions matter, but they do not matter more than one’s impact – the individual needs to own the impact they created. Leadership is about owning one’s impact.
Bartlett Regional Hospital remains committed to the highest quality and safety of our patients. To create doubt in the minds of the community we proudly serve regarding our patient care is a disservice to the organization and the entire medical community servicing the patients and families in Juneau.
• Ian Worden, who has served more than 25 years in executive-level healthcare positions, was appointed interim CEO of Bartlett Regional Hospital in September 2023. His last day in that position is Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
