To the Editor:

After attending the recent Van Diest Medical Center Board meeting, I have had the chance to reflect on the past few years of hospital operations and what I find is concerning. I challenge the public to think and consider the following:

VDMC is currently paying Mercy Hospital in Des Moines (and/or its affiliates) over $450,000 annually in management fees, dues and the salary of the CEO. Three years ago, VDMC paid Mercy $85,000 per year and the CEO was a VDMC employee.

During the past three years, many contract services that were provided locally or through long-standing agreements (thus helping our local economy) have been outsourced to Mercy Hospital or its affiliates in Des Moines. To name a few, these include: laundry services (formerly performed by Modern Cleaners); referral laboratory services (previously contracted with Mayo Clinic); pathology services (previously contracted with Dr. Cook in Boone); radiology services, after-hours pharmacy services and certain food vendors. Question: Were former vendors given an opportunity to bid to continue their services? Note: The cost for these new vendors services are not included in the annual Mercy fees above.

According to the audited financial statements available to the public, the hospital operating loss from fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013 totaled $3,639,978. Excluding the recent generous $3 million gift from Mr. and Mrs. Bob Van Diest, the current seven month year-to-date loss stands at $1,284,000.

Now there is a new “board approved” Emergency Room policy in place that will no longer allow you to request your local physician if you present to the ER. When was the open board meeting and vote that approve this policy? Why was the public not informed or asked to give feedback on such an important issue?

Prior to three years ago, the CEO was employed by VDMC, thus service our county taxpayers as their primary responsibility. The current CEO works as an employee of Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Whose interest is being served here?

Is anyone concerned?

Paula Chuchvara-McMurray

Webster City