First Posted: 3/23/2015
St. Rita’s is sending a message to the Lima community with the dismissal of Dr. Henry Gerad and its other actions, including its administration of St. Rita’s Hospice.
While the exact reasons for the dismissal of Gerad may not be known, there does seem to be a pattern to the decision-making from St. Rita’s administration. The message centers on valuing cost over quality and compassion.
Gerad was my husband’s oncologist and I have no doubt my husband received the best possible treatment from Gerad. I also learned how very widely respected Gerad is by oncologists at Cleveland Clinic, one of the top facilities in the world. Lima was truly fortunate to have the services of a physician as talented, dedicated, and compassionate as Gerad.
My experience with St. Rita’s Hospice also underscored its value for cost versus quality and compassion. During my husband’s last visit with hospice the nurse informed me shortly after arriving he had less than two hours to live, and she would be leaving for her next appointment. She informed me that staying was “not a service they provide,” and to call back after he died.
Does St. Rita’s value providing the best possible medical care or does it choose to provide care at the lowest possible cost? The dismissal of Gerad and the administration of its hospice seem to be in direct conflict with its stated core values of 1) compassion: the commitment to serve with mercy, and 2) excellence: the commitment to be the best in quality of services.
Please provide a response, St. Rita’s, in your words or actions, so we know where to choose our health care.
