I’m voting NO on Question 1, and I hope you will too. In a perfect world, Question 1 seems like a good idea. The problem is that there are too many unintended consequences that will hurt patients.
If it passes, hospitals will be forced to quickly add more nurses and, in light of the national and Massachusetts nursing shortage, filling positions will be insurmountable. If hospitals are unable to recruit enough nurses, they will need to close beds and reduce services because failure to meet the government mandate could result in a fine of up to $25,000 per day, per offense.
Compounding the problem is that Cooley Dickinson (as well as other community hospitals) will also suffer considerable financial harm. For our community hospital, the financial impact is estimated at $6.5 to $9 million per year. As a local resident since I was a child, the son of a surgeon, a practicing family physician and a member of Cooley Dickinson’s Board, I am an advocate for Cooley Dickinson. Growing up, I understood through the lens of my father’s career that Cooley Dickinson was an important place — a cornerstone of our community, and I understand this more acutely today. Having a fully functioning hospital and health care system that provides excellent care is essential to our community and local economy.
If Question 1 passes, it is projected that the hospital would have to turn away more than 200 patients who need inpatient mental health care. And consider this: The mandated ratios would mean approximately 600 patients couldn’t receive care at their community hospital and Cooley Dickinson’s Emergency Department providers would treat nearly 7,500 fewer patients each year.
These are unintended consequences that will cause harm. Nurses are the backbone of care. They are essential, and at Cooley Dickinson nurses represent a team of excellence. I respect the intentions of those who support Question 1. But I firmly believe the effects of Question 1 would be hazardous. Please vote NO on Question 1 and allow Cooley Dickinson’s patients to receive the quality comprehensive care that is expected from our community hospital.
Timothy Parsons, MD
Florence