Casey Urges CHS to Invest in the Local Workforce
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today urged Community Health Systems (CHS), the Tennessee-based company that recently purchased Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton and Mid-Valley Hospital in Peckville, to protect hospital employees and ensure jobs are not lost as a result of the sale.
“At a time when jobs are our community’s number one concern, it is imperative to ensure changes in ownership at our local hospitals do not harm workers or the level of care they are able to provide,” said Senator Casey. “I urge CHS to recognize the value in investing in the local workforce to chart a productive future in the community.”
In a letter sent today to the Chairman, President and CEO of CHS, Senator Casey expressed his hope that CHS will invest in the workforce of Northeastern Pennsylvania to protect the local economy and the level of care the hospitals are able to provide the community.
“As you take formal ownership of these hospitals, I strongly urge you to focus on retaining the uniquely qualified workforce in place at these institutions and, where possible, recruiting new employees to further strengthen health care delivery,” Senator Casey wrote. “Taking this approach will ensure the continuation of quality health services for the people of this region.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter is below:
Mr. Wayne Smith
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation
Dear Mr. Smith:
I am writing regarding Community Health Systems’ (CHS) recent acquisition of Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Mid-Valley Hospital in Peckville, Pennsylvania. I am well aware of the financial difficulties that have been facing hospitals in recent years, and I am hopeful that this development will preserve the delivery of high-quality health care in the region.
As CHS transitions into control of these hospitals, I encourage you to take this opportunity to invest both in the hospitals’ infrastructure as well as its staff. The dedicated workforce at these institutions have a long history of serving patients in an effective and compassionate manner and have played a vital role as front line caregivers for many years. Your acquisition of these hospitals presents an opportunity to maintain and strengthen this tradition. As you take formal ownership of these hospitals, I strongly urge you to focus on retaining the uniquely qualified workforce in place at these institutions and, where possible, recruiting new employees to further strengthen health care delivery. Taking this approach will ensure the continuation of quality health services for the people of this region.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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