More on Rick Scott, formerly of Columbia/HCA, and the cost

[tsuki]

cutting programs he instigated.

"Though Scott is quick to raise the debunked myth of public health care options as “rationed care,” his own business model amounted to the rationing of services in order to boost profits. During Scott’s tenure at Columbia/HCA, his cost cutting methods threatened patient care and safety:

# Susan Marks, a technician at one of Scott’s hospitals, was forced to monitor 72 heart monitors by herself. Marks explained, “I have to. I’ve been told you either do it, or there’s the door.”

# Scott downsized nursing staffs, created conditions where “babies were attended as infrequently as every three hours. Once, the only nurse caring for seven ill infants was so busy she failed to hear an alarm when a baby stopped breathing. A parent dashed to the baby and stimulated breathing, the state report said.”

# Hospital workers in Florida complained, “gloves come in only one size, and rip easily.” In addition, California employees protested “filthy conditions,” and being “stretched to the limit” as Scott’s company slashed “the ratio of nurses to patients.” "

http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/03/05/scott-offers-himself/

If he wants to be the face of the opposition to universal health care, I say we help him.

[pleah]

1. K&R

[BonnieJW]

2. I don't understand why any nurse would stay.

There is always a nursing shortage and they can have their pick of hospitals. I know someone who worked for HCA in the late 90's in corporate. They would buy small hospitals in small towns and then shut them down, forcing people to travel to their big hospitals, sometimes having to travel an hour or more. Pigs.

[tsuki]

3. They ruined our hospital. People need to be aware of just who

Scott is. I think I am going to post about him every day.