Talks of committee to study the return of a hospitalist met with some ire
Following a nearly two-hour session behind a closed door, members of the Franklin Hospital Board took no action on the appointment of a CEO during a special meeting.
Brent Young, board chairman, confirmed to media members following the meeting that two candidates were interviewed, one internal candidate and one external. The Board will meet again in regular session on Aug. 24.
Following discussion, the Board also tabled the formation of a Hospitalist Committee. The Committee will include four hospital officials, four physicians, two board members and two public officials, according to Young.
Board member Joyce Ragan objected to the formation of the committee and several names that were thrown out by Young who could serve on the committee, including Sesser Mayor Jason Ashmore.
"Politicians are not good for any committee," Ragan said, no matter where they come from. She added that Ashmore came to two meetings, complained and had nothing positive to say.
"You're wanting to put him on a committee? Why? He's already made himself known," she said.
Board member Mary Stevens added, "I don't see any reason to have anyone not connected with this hospital on this committee.
The purpose of the committee is to "research the long term goals of the hospitalist program," Young said, putting a 90-day limit on the committee's work.
"We talked about teamwork and this is a good teamwork issue that's going to have a committee to bring back suggestions," he said. "If it's brought back to us, we can say 'no' we're not going for it," he added.
"You got that right," Ragan blurted.
"I feel this is going to add to the teamwork going forward, and will show open transparency," Young responded.
It was noted the committee, as an arm of the hospital board, will be responsible to conduct its meetings under the Open Meetings Act. As a result, public members will be able to attend the meetings.
Along with discussion of the committee, Young read a letter of resignation from board member Debbie Ricci, which immediately went into effect.
