‘Path of sloth’ ADVERTISING ‘Path of sloth’ I have heard, read and witnessed the great concern about the recent layoffs of Hilo Medical Center employees because of budget cuts. I’m also concerned about local businesses as they struggle to contain
‘Path of sloth’
I have heard, read and witnessed the great concern about the recent layoffs of Hilo Medical Center employees because of budget cuts. I’m also concerned about local businesses as they struggle to contain health care costs.
These laid-off employees represent our family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. The economy is tough enough, yet we read with sorrow of those who lose their jobs we consider to be “secure employment.” Only government jobs offer greater security, yet these unfortunate folks are given their walking papers — and there are more layoffs to come.
Is this some scam? Or a conspiracy to line the pockets of senior executives? Hardly. Let’s do some basic math.
A conservative estimate of the total wages and benefits for the laid-off workers is approximately $500,000 per year.
Now, take the chronic and inappropriate use of the emergency room (ER) as your primary care provider (PCP) — at a minimum of $2,000 per visit — multiplied by the MASSES of those who are abusing the benefits instead of using their (authorized) PCP. The result is MILLIONS of dollars per year of unnecessary spending, and your friends losing their jobs.
Each year, the hospital must submit a budget to the state. The state oversees the operation of this and other Hawaii hospitals. The abuse of one department (ER) so greatly exceeds the already substantial sum appropriated by such a great amount that it becomes necessary for management to eliminate jobs.
Think about that. I have witnessed those of you who have your children in the ER for runny noses and coughs. That’s silly.
If you’re admitted to the ER, your life better be in danger! Broken bones? Bad cuts? Heart attack? Head trauma? Fine.
Colds? Allergies? Flu? Pap tests? NO. STOP THIS NONSENSE.
It falls on deaf ears. It also occurs on the mainland, but here we are accountable to ourselves.
ER abusers insist upon continuing this wasteful and expensive practice for their own selfish convenience, and now, as their expenses mount to overflowing, they wonder why their friends are being let go? I wonder if any of the offenders will bother to apologize for the jobs lost?
We’ve seen incredible changes in the structure of our health care during the past eight years. We can’t continue to stumble carelessly down a path of sloth. We have to pay attention or the losses we will suffer in the future will be insufferable. Practicing “aloha” means more than just smiling at strangers. It means compassion and care for your fellow citizens. Practice aloha.
It is time to be accountable for our actions. So, BE accountable.
Dan Turner
Hilo
