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News - Jersey Shore Hospital, Jersey Shore Pennsylvania USA |
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| Jersey Shore Hospital |
| Congressman Glenn Thompson Speaks on Healthcare at Jersey Shore Hospital |
| Date : - 27/08/2009 |
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Congressman Glenn Thompson Speaks on Healthcare at Jersey Shore Hospital
JERSEY SHORE—Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-Howard) made a recent visit to Jersey Shore Hospital, giving an update on healthcare reform and touring the hospital’s new facility.
Thompson, who has a deep-seeded background in healthcare and healthcare administration (28 years in healthcare in the Williamsport area), began by saying that he believes in healthcare reform.
“I believe in access to care, affordability of care, and quality of care… but what we really have here is healthcare insurance reform,” he said.
After having only been on the “Summer District Work Period” for about ten days, Thompson has had more than enough time to reflect on the recent late-night markup sessions while in Congress.
“The proposals (for reform) are scary,” he said. “I have tremendous concerns about what is happening.”
Thompson went on to say that he doesn’t know what to expect when he goes back in September, but his hopes are to “clear the slate and have everyone come back to the table and suggest the right kind of reform where it’s needed.”
“Right now,” he said, “this bill would essentially change everyone’s healthcare, and I don’t think we need to do that.”
Thompson shared some of his other concerns with the Jersey Shore Hospital staff, stating that the healthcare reform proposals are being jammed through the system so quickly that many Americans don’t know the full meaning of what is going on in Congress.
“This administration is focused on ‘doing something’ rather than on transparency, when it should be designed so that the average person can understand the ins-and-outs of the proposed legislation. Part of the problem is that there just wasn’t enough time,” he added.
Instead of a complete overhaul of the healthcare system, Thompson believes that only certain areas need changed, and some of those areas have rarely been discussed in the last few months.
“What we should be focusing on includes tort reform—this is absolutely not being addressed but it is part of quality, affordability and access that we need. We need to also focus on recruiting physicians and healthcare providers with scholarships and other forms of assistance,” said Thompson.
Another concern for both Thompson and Jersey Shore Hospital is the issue of information sharing.
“We should also look at opening up a network, especially in rural areas,” said Thompson. President and CEO of Jersey Shore Hospital Carey Plummer agreed, noting that it is imperative at times to share information among neighboring hospitals, but this isn’t always possible. “This ultimately affects care,” Plummer said.
When Congress reconvenes, the United States House will find itself with the duty of combining the Ways & Means, Education and Labor, and Energy & Commerce’s versions into one bill. This bill will then be brought before the entire U.S. House.
“I just don’t know what to expect when I go back,” Thompson said again.
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| Reference : - www.jsh.org |
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