Hospital change
should improve
quality of care

This week’s vote by Columbus Regional Healthcare System trustees to change hospital management companies took some moxie after 16 years with Quorum, but Carolinas Healthcare System (CHS) should be a good fit for the local hospital.

Bill Clark, who has been CEO of the hospital since Quorum assumed management, has overseen several major upgrades at the hospital, maintained a high-profile status in the community and has been involved in many civic activities, including serving as president of the chamber of commerce. He will be missed.

But if a change needed to be made, CHS appears to be a good fit.

CHS had its beginnings with Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) in Charlotte. It is now the biggest healthcare provider in both Carolinas with 22 affiliated hospitals. From all accounts, it is a highly professional organization that has a history of providing leadership and sound fiscal management.

Because of its size, CHS is able to buy medical products and supplies at a deep discount and provide leverage when negotiating prices with managed care/health insurance companies.

Perhaps the best thing CHS brings to the table is that it is hospital-based. Where many management companies focus primarily on fiscal issues, CHS, because of its relationship with Carolinas Medical Center, will bring much in the way of medical expertise to Columbus Regional Healthcare. CMC is known throughout the Carolinas for its heart center and neurological and orthopedic specialists.

CHS’s considerable experience in running a nationally recognized medical center will certainly trickle down to Columbus County in terms of quality assurance and medical care.

Columbus County is fortunate to have a publicly owned hospital that serves the needs of all citizens, but the hospital has been under heavy financial pressure.

Clark is to be commended for much good that has been done over the past 16 years, but change and fresh ideas are essential for any organization. In CHS, it appears the trustees made a good choice.