Hospice of WRMC Has Strong Support
6/29/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tammy G. Love
Director of Marketing & Medical Staff Development
Phone: (336) 651-8116
Hospice of WRMC Has Strong Support
Hospice of Wilkes Regional Medical Center expects that Certificate of Need (CON) applications may soon be submitted to request state approval to establish an additional hospice home care agency in Wilkes County. The State Medical Facilities Plan provides an opportunity for proposals for a new hospice home care agency to serve patients in their homes; however the need determination in the State Plan includes no hospice beds for Wilkes County. The due date for submitting proposals is July 15, 2009 and a public hearing will be scheduled in mid-September.
After the CON applications have been submitted, Hospice of WRMC intends to submit written comments and data to the State officials disputing the CON proposals for a hospice home care program. "We are closely tracking the Certificate of Need process. When the time is right we will provide compelling documentation and statistics showing that no need exists for an additional hospice home care agency in Wilkes County" said Gene Faile, President and CEO Wilkes Regional Medical Center. "Hospice of Wilkes Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive services 7 days per week. We have no waiting lists for hospice care. Our hospice staff can readily serve the needs of additional patients and families at any time."
WRMC leadership is concerned when healthcare organizations in surrounding counties come into Wilkes County and attempt to set up shop. "This only serves to weaken our network of physician and hospital providers by causing the out-migration for healthcare services to facilities which seek only an economic advantage," states Gene Faile, President and CEO Wilkes Regional Medical Center.
Carol Hermann, Vice President of Patient Care said "The outcome of this Certificate of Need application process is difficult to predict. However, I am convinced that state officials now recognize that the 2009 hospice methodology that triggered the Wilkes County need determination was seriously flawed. In fact, the State Health Coordinating Council voted on May 27th to change the 2010 hospice methodology to remedy the problems."
Hospice of Wilkes Regional Medical Center, a United Way Agency, is licensed by the State, is Medicare-certified and is accredited by the Joint Commission. Wilkes residents also have the option of receiving hospice care from licensed agencies located in adjoining counties. During 2008, Hospice of WRMC provided 8,370 days of care to patients in their homes, far more than any hospice agency from outside of Wilkes County. Sharon Wilcox, Program Coordinator for Hospice of WRMC, said "We have a tremendous advantage - our hospice team is comprised of the most caring and compassionate staff and volunteers in Wilkes County."
