Healthcare in the VI Must be a Priority
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-04-12 16:43:19
Critical time for VI Hospitals
When Rodney Miller, CEO of St. Thomas' Roy Lester Schneider Hospital spoke before AARP Chapter 3138 at their February meeting, many thought he would be talking about the construction of the territory's new cancer center, but instead he came for two other reasons.
First, he wanted to thank AARP Chapter 3138 for having selected him as their Man of the Year. He was unable to attend the award ceremony, so this was his chance to express appreciation.
Second, he wanted to solicit the attendance of AARP members at a Legislative Budget hearing.
"This is a critical time for the hospital," said Miller. "We are working with the bare minimum. We need Health care advocates; my staff and I can't do it alone. The budget for the RLS Hospital has been cut over $4-million this year. Last year, $23.4 million was requested, but only $19 million was received from the government. And, we must keep in mind that health costs rise each year."
But, the total picture at the RLS Hospital is not bleak.
"In the last three years, the hospital's management has invested over $16 million in improvements to the physical plant, new equipment, educational opportunities and its employees," Miller said. "As an affiliate to the Washington Hospital Center, the hospital is developing educational programs for residents and fellows in medical and surgical fields as well as providing a progressive health education programs for the public."
"Six specialty physicians have been recruited," stated Miller. "We have been joined by a cardiologist, an orthopedist, a physician in internal medicine and a general surgeon. However, to have specialists, we must also have supportive equipment and ancillary personnel."
Miller explained there are multiple requirements to ensure quality health care. He cited the St. Croix Cardiology Center as an example.
"Our goal is not to duplicate intricate and costly service centers within the Territory, but to support emergent patient care until the patient can be transported to that higher level of care," Miller said.
Conversely, it would not be prudent for scarce health care dollars to be wasted by creating a second cancer center in the Territory. But, that is not to say that St. Croix does not need oncologists. Both islands will need specialists to provide the ongoing, supportive care.
"It makes economic sense to have general services available in both districts," Miller said. "We have not collaborated well enough on this point. We haven't made the best use of all resources in the past, but that may take a change in how these decisions are reached."
Miller's statement implies that a managerial bridge needs to be built between the two hospitals leadership to ensure that duplications don't occur.
"The Cancer Center construction is going very well." Miller explained. "We have been assured that construction will be completed in June and we will be able to open in July."
Responding to a question from an AARP member, Miller stated that as a JCAHO Accredited Hospital (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), the RLS Hospital is certified to treat Veterans.
"It can be done (health care services to Veterans Administration)," said Miller. "But, we will need to educate the community about Veteran's services and get Veterans to advocate on behalf of the hospital as well."
In closing, Miller wanted to leave AARP members with a thought.
"In the Virgin Islands, 80% of the population is of African descent and should represent the majority of the decision makers or voters. This same 80% historically suffers with the greatest percentages of diabetes, cardiac disease, cancer and many other diseases. However, there exists a tremendous disparity between their needs and what services are provided. Priorities must be set to get things in place that reflect the needs of our population. These priorities must be transmitted to our leaders, and we must make it clear what we want."
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