After months of attending council meetings, I was holding onto the hope that Sam O'Leary would help us save our hospital. After reading this article, my hopes are fading.
From the article:
Councilman Sam O'Leary said he would like to explore the possibility of operating a small inpatient hospital, possibly alongside the proposed family health center and emergency room.
"That would make a lot of sense for our community," O'Leary said. "I think there is a strong point to be made that we don't just need an emergency department, but we need observation beds as well."
O'Leary said he hoped the Cleveland Clinic would be open to that type of negotiation. Part of the proposal under discussion with the Clinic includes using about $30 million from the Lakewood Hospital Association to establish a community health fund. At least part of that money could go toward the cost of a small hospital, O'Leary said.
I have always liked him as a councilman. I feel he treats the citizens respectfully. However, I feel he is trying to appease both sides. I am still wondering why it has to be the clinic.
I feel that there is no way we can get a good deal from the clinic, especially with Mike Summers, Madigan, and Bullock being a little too friendly with them. My hope is that Sam will stand up to the clinic and to the mayor and ditch the clinic. I have heard that we have two other interested providers. A small, dinky hospital is not the answer. I would like to encourage Mr. O'Leary to let us know if he is for saving the hospital or not.
