LAKEWAY NURSES & CAREGIVERS RALLY

Celebration Includes More Than 150 Nurses, Physicians, Administrators and Volunteers

Morristown, Tenn. – More than 150 nurses and caregivers at Lakeway Regional Hospital rallied together yesterday to celebrate the quality of care they offer patients in the face of surprising accusations by some that they place “profits over patients.”

“Nothing has ever been more important here than the care we provide for our patients,” said Pam Jones, Lakeway’s Chief Nursing Officer. “I have worked at both hospitals in Morristown, and I have found no difference in working for a for-profit hospital. We both have the same mission and interests at heart, and that is to always put the patient first. We both strive for good quality nursing care. We both have good people. I’m proud to be part of LRH.”

In fact, the quality of Lakeway care is comparable to that of any hospital in the region, including that delivered at Morristown Hamblen Healthcare System. These results can be found at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov, an independent Web site established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to inform consumers about the quality of care at America’s hospitals.

Yesterday’s event, an expanded version of the hospital’s monthly employee celebration, provided Lakeway’s staff an opportunity to share their stories and express their support for one another and their patients.

“I’m really proud of the employees at Lakeway for coming together and showing so much pride in our hospital,” said Wendy Houseright, director of Lakeway’s Emergency Department. “It is exciting – not just to celebrate our hospital’s successes, but also to recognize the quality of patient care available in all of Morristown.”

Emergency room nurse Jessica Collins agreed. “I currently work at both Morristown-Hamblen and Lakeway and I’m confident in saying there is great quality of patient care offered at both hospitals,” Collins said.

The rally comes as Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation (CHS), the organization with which Lakeway is affiliated, has extended an offer to Morristown Hamblen Healthcare System. CHS is proposing that Lakeway and MHHS join forces to create a strong, regional healthcare system in Morristown.

In its proposal, CHS offered to pay $50 million for MHHS and allow the hospital to keep its cash and investments valued at more than $30 million. CHS also committed to invest more than $60 million in capital improvements at MHHS over seven years and estimated the transaction would result in approximately $1 million more in annual tax revenue for the local community. In addition, a resulting independent foundation could have tens of millions of dollars to contribute to the community.

As part of yesterday’s rally, Lakeway’s nurses and staff put their signatures on a banner – now hanging outside the hospital – that reads “Better Together. Working For Morristown.” They shared patient and employee stories, related their community involvement with charitable organizations such as the United Way and Relay for Life, as well as fundraisers for local families in need.

“This celebration reinforced the our pride in the hospital and our shared commitment for our patients,” said Robyn Robinson, Medical Staff Services Director. “We’re like a family here, and I was happy to be a part of this wonderful event.”