Since the 12/29/2008 General Medical Staff special meeting to discuss the current situation at TCMC, the Medical Staff has been very active. We have accomplished a lot. Our goal, articulated by many and distilled down to its essence, is to ensure the long-term viability of TCMC as a full-service hospital. Individually, we have many divergent opinions and strategies about how to achieve that goal – some more demonstrative than others, but through them all, at least one thing is clear. The highest priority is to continue to provide ongoing excellent patient care. Without that, TCMC’s survival is pointless.

First, the Professional Advisors Committee has shared with the Board our concerns and frustrations. They have had frank discussions with the interim- CEO. The Medical Staff has made it clear that it is paramount that the Board rapidly concludes their investigation and publicly reports out their findings as soon as possible.

Second, the Staff Liaison Committee has reached out to nursing as well as unlicensed staff to invite their input and open lines of communication. Because fliers and personal conversations can only reach so far, a strategist in public and media relations (The Monger Company) has been retained and a website is being built so that our messages can be accurate, consistent, timely, and accessible to all stakeholders. Stay tuned…

Third, the Agenda for the Future Committee and the Future Funding Committee merged together and are actively studying future financial needs, sources of funding, and possible financial structures and arrangements that would allow the hospital to survive and flourish - attracting new physicians, nurses, and cutting edge technologies - the types of resources necessary to carry TCMC successfully into the future.

Fourth, the New Governance Models Committee has investigated multiple Governance models some of which may help put TCMC on a professionally guided and informed path that succeeds in the competitive healthcare marketplace. A full range of possibilities is being studied to affect an improved and stable Governance structure at TCMC. An attorney with experience in Healthcare District Law (The Law Office of Jeffrey Scott) has been retained and will advise the Medical Staff on the relevant legal questions.

Going forward, much work remains to be done. Outreach continues. Communication is ongoing with Board members, politicians, union representatives, the Corporate Council, Foundation donors and others. Options are being intensively studied with the aid of professional expertise in finance, law, and communications. With all of our efforts, together, we can help ensure that TCMC is accessible and available to the community for years to come.