What does community need regarding the Care Center?

In reference to the December 28, 2013 article Hospital Board finalizes levy amidst concerns from constituents.

Is there a business plan for the Care Center? Or is the plan to prop it up with a levy every year and not have an active plan to make it able to operate in the black?

Ely, Cook, and Silver Bay are reaping the benefits of new assisted living/memory care facilities in their areas in recent years. Obviously, “elder care dollars” are there as these types of facilities are increasing in demand and being built. A real business plan with the goal of operating in the black for the care center should be highest on the priority list for the hospital board and administrator. It is time to once again look at assisted living/ memory care needs and availability and viability in Cook County.

I understand there are residents of Cook County living in the new assisted living center in Silver Bay.

Have the citizens of Cook County, current hospital and care center employees, local physicians, social workers, and nurses been asked what is needed in a remodeled facility to improve healthcare and profitability? Successful companies keep an open dialogue with the people on the front lines. I wonder if this is taking place at the hospital. The danger of any business having a monopoly in a local market has the potential mindset of: “build it and they will come,” “we are the only show in town,” and “we know what you need, take it or leave it.” (Sound familiar?) I sincerely hope the current administration and board have not slipped into this mindset.

Isn’t the real multi-million-dollar question: “Will this remodel increase annual revenue for the CCNSH&CC?” Or are we just being conditioned to accept a higher annual levy?

Remember, Administrator Wraalstad is an employee of St. Luke’s, not Cook County.

This is her project, the board is following her recommendations. What do we really need to provide adequate and profitable services? It is time for the hospital board to do more research, more homework, and survey all the citizens of Cook County. We will tell you what is needed and what we are willing to pay for, not St. Luke’s.

Paul Dahl, RN
Gunflint Trail