Thursday, May 31, 2007

Defaults: Marriages, Loans and Auctions

Anonymous said...

"I saw in the legal section of the DDT the other day that our Mayor & Husband (or ex) have defaulted on house payments! Maybe she needs a raise!"

Could be, but I doubt it. Mayor Hudson (and/ or Ex) probably suffer from the same plight as hundreds of Greenville residents... a dismal real estate market in which you literally have to "give away" property in order to move.

The recent auction of "Somoa" is a telling tale. After the owners defaulted on the mortgage, it was put up for auction by the lender. Opening bid was a mere $50,000 and the final bid brought $183,000. (Note: This is a home that once appraised for over $600,000.)

So, do we have a very happy new owner of this icon of Greenville real estate?

Well, no. It seems that the high bidder could not secure financing... even at 1/3 the appraised value. So, if you are among those property owners who still believe that they will profit, or even recoup their investment in Greenville real estate, I wish you well!

Even the pair of whales heading up river could see the end in sight... and fled back to open sea.

Forthright

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Copper Capers Continue...

The following are anonymous comments from various readers...

The newspaper didn't report the burglary of at least 7 vehicles last week in the old Bowmanor neighborhood, although the police took a report. This is the MAYOR'S own neighborhood! One occurrence was two doors down from Mrs. Hudson's home.

I for one think it is just a travesty that incidents like these are not reported to the public. Where is our media coverage? More importantly, where are our men in blue? If the police are in fact out patrolling as they should be why are they not making it known? And why does their presence seem obsolete?

You can't convince me that the police aren't part of the problem. Their leadership turns a blind eye to the problem.

There is very little true police work going on here. The officers just shrug their shoulders. The detectives never follow up. The leadership disrespects and turns a blind eye to complaints. Try to get a incident report and it's a nightmare.

I read in the DDT today that they finally made some arrest involving the copper thievery! well there is no way that only three people are responsible for all the damage and theft. I wonder how long before they are back out on the streets.

Who wants to bet me that Mayor Hudson will be unopposed in her re-election?

Forthright

Thursday, May 17, 2007

More "Untold" Stories

Anonymous said...

"Extra- Extra read all about this here because you will not see this in our local media. Automatic gunfire erupts Saturday 05/12/07 at V.F.W. Almost 30 rounds filled the night air as gunfire erupted at The V. early Saturday morning. Two people have said to be injured. The Assistant Chief left the "Entertainment District" in a reactive move to make Greenville safe. "

Another writer offers:

"I heard that the Hebrew Temple suffered a big loss to copper thieves. This brings to almost thirty downtown businesses that have been hit. Estimated combined loss of almost a quarter of a million dollars."

It appears that much "news" gets missed by our local media. Unfortunately, I have no way of substantiating whether all or any of the stories are true; however, both sound quite plausible.

Copper is a hot commodity right now. Thieves recently stripped the abandoned Hollandale Hospital of much of the copper and sold it for thousands. As for the automatic gunfire, that is a common sound which can be heard throughout the city on any given night.

Let's not forget the rash of arson fires which occur almost nightly. City officials attribute them to teenagers who are "bored" and have nothing better to do. (I don't recall ever being that bored as a teenager.)

Thursday's news tells us of 15 car break-ins in the Country Club Estates area. This suggests that our thieves do not restrict their activities to the older sections of town. It also suggests that our men in blue need to get out of the "entertainment district" and into the residential neighborhoods.

What say you, Mayor Hudson?

Forthright

Monday, May 14, 2007

Our Men in Blue Causing the "Blues"

Regarding Greenville's Finest...

"I'm not sure exactly how many crimes took place over the weekend, but I do know that at least six officers entered one of the bars downtown waving flashlights for no reason on more than one occasion. It does seem that the police force would rather push their weight around in a safe bar that already has security than go out and do some actual police work, and why not???"

"We are merely all bowing down to them giving them all the power in the world to abuse however they see fit. How many murders happened here last year, and how many were solved? What about all the other crimes that take place on a day to day basis? It would be interesting to see just how many crimes take place between the hours of 10:00 pm and 2:00 am when they seem to be "working so diligently". I personally DO NOT feel very safe at all knowing this is the bunch that is supposedly "protecting" me and my family."

Another disgruntled patron adds:

"I also agree. I was told to get my f..king ass off the side walk or go to jail just for wanting to smoke outside one of the clubs. No one deserves this kind of disrespect from the Assistant Chief. To me it sets a bad example for the other guys on the force."

L.R. adds the following..

"It's always been that way regarding the police and nightclub and bar security. It's easier to patrol to "easily patrolable" not to mention it's 1/4 block from the police station. If nothing's happening inside the bar, then nothing will happen except you'll see cops waving flashlights. That said, having that "safe" feeling downtown is another matter."

When was the last time you read the headline: "Man Robbed at Gunpoint in Crowded Bar"? I would suspect that most fleeing criminals don't seek shelter in our downtown "entertainment district."

As for profanity from public servants, it should not be tolerated. The above "smoker" should have immediately called the GPD and lodged a formal complaint against this officer. Because they represent the law does not mean that they are above it!

Police officers have a difficult and often dangerous job. For the most part, they are underpaid for their often "thankless" jobs; however, they too, must play by the rules. Abuse of power at any level is unacceptable, but it will "always be that way" as long as we permit it. Everyone has a boss, whether appointed or elected. However low on the food-chain voters have become, we still have a voice.

Complacency is the fodder of tyrants!

Forthright

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Things You Won't Read in the DDT...

Below are several anonymous comments from readers...

"I have waited all week to see if anyone reported the melee that broke out at the carnival last Saturday night 5/5/07. Imagine taking you kids out for a night of fun at the carnival and instead thugs fighting and shooting randomly, so much that people were running and ducking in the mall, under tables at Garfield's anywhere they could hide. Shots fired in the mall and surrounding area but no report makes it to our local media."

"Well, I for one can understand how this can happen. Greenville finest are to busy hassling the Restaurant and Nightclub owners around town. I personally saw the Ass. Chief six times Wednesday night, four times Friday night and several times Saturday night policing the "Entertainment District" Why????? Because it is easier and safer than doing real police work. He walks around cursing people and acting arrogant while Greenville literally burns on his shift. Wise up city leaders. Put someone in charge that really wants to take a bite out of crime instead of a pompous ass with a chip on his shoulder. To get respect you must be willing to give it!!"

"Thugs ruined the multi-million dollar car show. What do you expect? I'll tell you what we need...LEADERSHIP."

Sunday, April 29, 2007

News by the Pound

Anonymous said...

"I watched the city council meeting a few weeks ago. The police report for the month of March said there was only 750+ calls. I don't remember how many arrests but i think that # was well over 500. "

"With that kind of crime and arrest the paper would have to have another section. That could be the crime report section."

Yes, and if the DDT added sections on real estate for sale and delinquent property taxes, each edition would have the weight of a Sunday "New York Times."

Forthright

Friday, April 27, 2007

Delayed Crime "Stats"

Anonymous said...

I think The Delta Democrat Times is doing a great disservice by printing crime stats that are two months behind. How can Greenvillians keep up with current crime trends. Look at online editions of the Greenwood Commonwealth and The Natchez Democrat. All Crimes and Fire calls are reported the next day. I'm sure this helps parents identify bad people that their children are exposed to. Plus it may help the community identify vulnerabilities that may exist in their neighborhoods.

The writer makes a good point: news is "news" when it happens. After two months, it becomes history. A more alarming statistic which has been told to me by more than one law enforcement officer, is that the DDT reports only about 1/3 of the crime that really occurs in Greenville. That IS scary!

Obviously, our local paper wants to put a positive spin on Greenville whenever possible. I am afraid that if the DDT printed 100% of all 911 and fire calls every day, they would have to add another section.

Forthright

Monday, April 16, 2007

"Pranks" and Prejudice

A semi-regular reader offers...

"I read in Monday's paper that a woman who publicly spews racist comments to her neighbors is now the victim of "pranks" like setting her garbage can on fire (maybe, that could be interpreted as a prank or harassment) and a Molotov cocktail which was thrown at her house and burned up her A.C. unit. Indianola police say...well, buy the paper or read it online."

"Now, THERE'S a debate on what are "appropriate responses" to racially tense communication."

"By the way, the double standards DO exist. I saw a guy on ESPN (Yes, ESPN) who offered a good analysis of the Imus firing. Rap artists and comedians can say what they say with no regard to advertisers and they make money doing it. Is it right? Probably not, but I'll err on the side of free speech. "

"Michael Richards didn't have to apologize, but there was market pressure on his career that required it. The "market" handles these things best and not more gov't intervention over the #1 protection in the Bill of Rights - Free Speech. Don Imus was losing most every major sponsor except Bigelow Tea, which offered public support. "

"The firing was premature and wimpy, but the marketplace spoke on the Imus situation in certain terms that get networks' attention. That said, I believe Imus could return to the airwaves within months and his old stations will resume his broadcasts over any replacement morning show offered through CBS or Westwood One Radio Network. The market spoke and it's given Don Imus new and nationally-based attention. "

"A great conversation would be to discuss the likely political proposals which could come forth in the wake of the Imus firing. I guarantee you that ALL of them will suggest restrictions on everyone's speech as a result. "

Given America's propensity to turn "heels" into "heroes", it would not surprise me to see Don Imus go on to even greater fame and wealth. I can envision a Hollywood Movie deal with countless TV talk show appearances in his future.

Lest we forget, it was less than two years ago that our media mercenaries entertained the thought of publishing O.J.'s "near tell-all novel", entitled, "How I Would Have Killed Them, if I Had".

Forthright

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Is Santa Claus Racist?

Anonymous readers said...

"Two words... "Double Standards"

Another added...

"Look for yourself..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q8LxO4wnCQ

NOTE: This video clip is from Chris Rock's actual live performance and contains graphic racial and sexual content.

A third writer offer...

"Aw----you gotta see the Dave Chappelle skit where he's a blind black man who's in a white supremacist group---every other word is the N-word. "

"It's OK if you're black and make black jokes, and you can even make fun of white folks.....but just let a white man make one wrong move and BAM---he's out! And yes, Imus is a pig, and no, he won't be missed by people with high standards, but do you realize that he didn't even use the N-word?"

"The term "ho" is one from the ghetto culture, not a term that Imus or the white man originated. "

Well, like him or not, it seems that the Imus affair confirms what George Orwell once wrote... "All men are created equal, however, some men are more equal than others."

Forthright



Thursday, April 12, 2007

Ho, Ho, Ho...

CBS fired Don Imus from his radio program Thursday, the finale to a stunning fall for one of the nation’s most prominent broadcasters.

Imus initially was given a two-week suspension for calling the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos” on the air last week, but outrage continued to grow and advertisers bolted from his CBS radio show and its MSNBC simulcast, which was canceled Wednesday.

“There has been much discussion of the effect language like this has on our young people, particularly young women of color trying to make their way in this society,” CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves said in announcing the decision. “That consideration has weighed most heavily on our minds as we made our decision.”

The cantankerous Imus, once named one of the 25 Most Influential People in America by Time magazine and a member of the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame, issued repeated apologies as protests intensified. But it wasn’t enough as everyone from Barack Obama to Oprah Winfrey joined the criticism.

The Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson met with Moonves on Thursday to demand Imus’ removal, promising a rally outside CBS headquarters Saturday and an effort to persuade more advertisers to defect. Jackson called the firing “a victory for public decency. No one should use the public airwaves to transmit racial or sexual degradation.”

Said Sharpton: “He says he wants to be forgiven. I hope he continues in that process. But we cannot afford a precedent established that the airways can commercialize and mainstream sexism and racism.”

Okay, I am not a fan of Don Imus. To me, he captured his "spotlight" by being cynical and overly critical of all who attain their "15 minutes of fame". I agree that what Imus said on public airways was reprehensible and in very poor taste, but does the punishment fit the crime?

If Jackson and Sharpton are so adamant about freeing the "public airwaves from racial and sexual degradation", why don't they consider these sources:
  • Gangster Rap Music
  • BET Music Videos
  • Black comedians... Chris Rock comes to mind
  • Saturday Night Live "spoofs"
  • Black TV comedies

Compared to the racial, sexual and violent language that we permit on these sources of "public airwaves", Don Imus looks like a choir boy. Sure, what he said was in bad taste, but "bad taste" entertainment seems to be the trend of the 21st century. Most of popular TV and movies are in bad taste. Much of what we consider "funny" is degrading to someone or some group.

Chris Rock currently has a 30 minute stand-up comedy routine on video in which he rants and raves about every stereotypical "black" trait ever conceived. In the course of this "routine", he uses the "N" word 96 times! This live performance was videoed in front of a majority black audience, who not only paid money to see his performance, but appeared quite amused and entertained.

So, have we lost a great talent with the firing of Don Imus? No.

Has his firing made a significant improvement in race relations in the U.S. No.

Are we a bit hypocritical as a society in our interpretation of free speech? Yes.

If Don Imus had made the same derogatory comments on a stage in Las Vegas, would he have been banned from the "airwaves" or been promoted to the status of star performer? The "line" at which Mr. Imus crossed over seems movable at best and one that appears drawn by promoters, sponsors and politicians!

Forthright

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Address Change...

Most of you will recall that the former Blog-master, "Local Reflector", purchased the . com name "Delta Scoop". It is up for renewal, but takes time to transfer. Meanwhile, you can still keep up with the Scoop through its generic site name: www.deltascoop.blogspot.com

Once the name is transferred, you will be able to use either address to access the Scoop. Please pass the new address on to your friends who enjoy the Delta Scoop. Thanks for your interest and participation.

Forthright

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Ray in the "Rose-Colored" Garden

Anonymous writer comments...

"Many nurses have left DRMC, not just the ones from KDH. The reasons the nurses are leaving are bad management, poor treatment, and unrealistic expectations. The problems started when dear Ray came and brought his little group with him, and until they leave, don't expect to see any of these nurses return."

'As most of you have noticed, the nurses that have left have been your seasoned, experienced nurses. These are nurses who know when their hard earned license is being put on the line. Most of the ones who have left had been at DRMC anywhere from 5 years to 25+ years. DRMC is one of the only places I've seen that punishes employees for loyalty. "

"Most of the nurses at DRMC now are contract nurses and travel nurses, and the majority of those wont renew their contracts because of the same reasons the other nurses have left.
It's time for the board to open their eyes and take off their rose-colored glasses. Ray-Ray needs to go. "

"I just truly hope that no person I care about has to be hospitalized at DRMC any time in the near future. Heck, I don't even want any enemies to have to go there!"

"There are some very good doctors there, but they can't do everything by themselves. No hospital can function without good nursing staff, and at this time, that is just not available at DRMC."

Seems like all fingers point to Ray! Mr. Humphreys is either the victim of a wide-spread "smear" campaign or our county leaders need to get out of the "rose" garden!

For all of my solicitations, I have yet to receive a comment in support of Mr. Humphreys and his current administration at DRMC. Surely, someone supports this man and his efforts?

Obviously, there are many disgruntled employees who have left DRMC. This writer suggests that the quality of care has been jeopardized as a result of this exodus and that is certainly a valid concern.

Dedicated physicians are vital to quality health care; however; trained nurses are essential. In the current arena of health care, there is too much competition for nurses to be expected to compromise their ethical standards for job security and political maneuvers. If DRMC is losing nurses as the writer suggests, there is a definite problem that should concern us all.

If health care is not on your top 10 list of concerns now, I can assure you it will be in the near future. As the writer suggests, we should not wait until we are being rolled through the doors of the emergency room to question the motives of those who control our health care system, or of those who may, or may not, be responsible for saving our lives.

Forthright

Sunday, March 11, 2007

"Special" Education

The following is from an article in the Greenwood Commonwealth:

"The Greenwood City Council has given final approval for New Delta Preparatory School's groundbreaking. The school, sponsored by the Viking Foundation, will be built on 8 acres of land off Sgt. John A. Pittman Drive. It will offer courses for seventh- through 12th-grade students, said Bill Crump, Viking Range Corp.'s director of governmental affairs.

Crump said the school will appeal to students "who aspire to academic excellence and community leadership."We'll have a very rigorous specialized curriculum, which will include community service projects," he said. "The students will be encouraged to attain the highest academic and professional success that they can." Accreditation will come through New Summit School.

Dr. Nancy Boyll, the executive director of New Summit School, will serve as administrator at New Delta. Crump said it will aim to "serve a more racially diverse population than the public schools and the academy schools in the Leflore County area. The racial makeup, we anticipate, will be reflective of the racial makeup of the community."New Delta will offer honors as well as advanced placement courses. Scholarships to the school, both full and partial, will be made available based upon a student's need, Crump said.

Initially, 10 to 15 teachers will work at the school. The initial student population has been set at between 100 and 150, he said. The school will offer specialized courses, including satellite courses from various colleges and universities, Crump said. The school shouldn't diminish other schools in the community, Crump said. Rather, "this will provide another alternative for people living in our community or coming into our community," he said.

The school will interview both parents and students to determine if the proper attitude exists in the home."Parents have to push that child and encourage that child. It's very important for the parents to be on board," he said.

The council unanimously approved the special exception for development of the school. Crump said preliminary work at the site will begin this week."

Anonymous writer questions...

"The whole idea of a new private school in the area is puzzling, especially considering that Greenwood's Pillow Academy is an above-average school and has the local private market cornered, with no parochial high school in sight."

"What is troubling is the new school's "accreditation" coming from the New Summit School in the Jackson area. A quick look at that school's webpage (http://www.newsummitschool.homestead.com/) states the following, in only the second paragraph on the home page:

"New Summit School also qualifies as a special purpose school; and in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health is certified to offer counseling services to students, and licensed to operate a Day Treatment Program."

Excuse me? The Department of Mental Health? Let's all RUSH to enroll our young college preppers there! (I don't think so.) Mr. Carl's money is misdirected this time.

The unfortunate truth is that since the passage of Public Law 94-142 in the early '70's, there is nothing "special" about special education. All children could benefit from smaller classes, individualized instruction, and yes, even counseling to deal with the pressures of today's world.

The true "disability" that students face these days is the disability of their teachers to meet their individual educational needs. Let face facts, not everyone's mother looked like June Cleaver!

Children enter school with a myriad of social problems ranging from drug addition and sexual abuse to emotional neglect and abandonment.

As a medical professional, if I had to align education with any one other public entity it would definitely be a mental health organization. Today's teachers can't teach because of all the emotional "baggage" that kids bring with them into the classroom.

Maybe Mr. Carl is breaking ground on an educational frontier in which all children have a true opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Forthright

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Private School Woes

An anonymous writer offers the following...

"That great sucking sound you hear is the last morsel of Greenville "Christian" School as it swirls down the drain! The declining local economy (read: white/professional flight) cannot support three tuition-based high schools. Four, if you count Deer Creek".

"The better question is: what's up with Fred Carl and Viking Range? How is it that they figure Greenwood needs another private school?"

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Sacred Secrets?

New topic... Thank God!

"Does anyone know what is going on with the Emanuel Baptist Church and Greenville Christian School? Rumor is that the pastor of the church is not answering questions, acting like he has a big secret. Rumor also is that the school will close if the church does not step in. Comments, please, if you have any information".

I will have to defer this one to those more in the know... Come on Greenville, let's hear from you. The Scoop counter says you are reading the Scoop... just not offering your thoughts and opinions, which we all have. Speak up!

Forthright

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

"Jackpot" or "Jeopardy"?

Anonymous writer offers...

"Looks like Ray hit the jackpot. People on the gulf coast are still living in tent homes, but HUD just pumped millions into a failing public hospital.

How can he use the burn center? I thought they were separate. There is some real problems at Delta Regional. We need to wake up."

Yes, Ray has pulled another one out of his hat; although, borrowing from Peter to pay Paul has never been considered a long term solution. A HUD loan is like borrowing money from your local "Cash for Title" establishment. It is a last ditch effort to prevent the inevitable, and the odds are always in THEIR favor.

Tax payers would have better odds if Ray took a million in cash down to the Jubilee Casino and put in all on red... or perhaps black would be a more appropriate bet.

As for HUD's responsible appropriation of funds, I think Katrina speaks volumes. After all, it is a government program... mistakes will be made... pockets will be lined.

DRMC graciously donated the space for the burn center and thus welcomes it back in its attempts to become the "Cardiovascular Center of the Delta".

Pouring millions of dollars into DRMC with its current administration is like siphoning the Titanic with a bucket... it may buy you a little time, but the ultimate outcome will still be the same.

Forthright

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

"Trust" and "Trustees"...

Anonymous said...

"I don't necessarily disagree with the sentiments expressed by this writer (although I question whether all of the listed physicians were "run off" -- I know that several of them simply left for greener pastures)."

"One caveat however. The City government -- while probably/certainly wishing the hospital well -- has absolutely no control over, responsibility for, or even any influence in the operations at DRMC. Efforts at change should be directed at the hospital's Trustees and the Board of Supervisors. Those are the only entities that can accomplish anything in that regard. "

This writer is correct, the city does not control DRMC. The county Board of Supervisors and the hospital's appointed Trustees are the public officials who ultimately should be held responsible for DRMC's current plight.

The hospital's financial woes did not begin with the purchase of KDH. It is hard to believe that our county supervisors and the hospital's trustees continue to turn a "blind eye" to the spiraling decline that DRMC has experienced during the Humphreys' administration.

At the end of the day, whether elected or appointed, these are the individuals who have knowingly allowed the current administration to ruin a once respected and progressive health care system. We shall all pay a hefty price for our misplaced trust.

Forthright...

PS... Correction in a previous post: Dr. Margaret Cassada is still very much a valued member of our medical community. Perhaps the writer was thinking of her father, Dr. Ogden, who has indeed moved on to "greener" pastures, a true loss for Greenville and the medical community.

Monday, February 19, 2007

What's Up, Docs?

An Ex-Greenvillian Comments:

I think it’s time for Ray Humphreys and his team players to go, so that the city of Greenville can have a better health care system available for the public. DRMC has caused so many good doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to leave its community. Why can’t the public see what is actually going on?

We need new board members who are actually going to keep their eyes on Ray Humphreys and what his team players are doing. We need younger people with fresh new ideas that are not part of the GOOD OLD BOY’S GROUP.

You know once they get together and want you out you are gone for sure. I’ve never seen a community that just sits and let things happen like they have in the DELTA. I know people who work over there at that hospital and they tell me how horrible it is there, but believe me no one will go on record and admit to it. Why? Because if they do they are subject to losing their job and where else do they have to go when GREENVILE, Board of Supervisors and Board of Trustees have allowed DRMC to buy up just about every medical facility in Greenville.

Do they not know how MONOPLY is played? I knew as a child when I played Monopoly that you buy all that you can buy so you can control everything. I guess the next thing Ray will do is rename Greenville to Rayville.

What about what he did to that other hospital he came from? No one bothered to check his references??? Or were they so desperate they just settled for anything. This community deserves better and we could if we could get these quacks out the hospital. There are so many doctors in Greenville that should not be practicing and the community doesn’t have an idea because everything is covered up. I’ve heard so many horror stories of patients dying on ventilators and at the hands of doctors that have no idea of what they are doing.

I was told that they have not had pulmonologist on staff for the past 8 months, and as of today there are about 4 more doctors that they are running off and will be gone in the next 4 months. Guess what? If a patient has a stroke in Greenville they are straight out of luck, because they no longer have a Neurologist on staff. God help our families for they have created a monster at DRMC.


Here is a list my friends have gathered for me of some of the doctors they have got together and run off in less than 2 years:

1. Dr. S. Sathanandan MD (Neurology)

2. Dr. E. Muller (psychiatrist)

3. Dr. M. Cassada (psychiatrist)

4. Dr. N. Viyouh (OB/GYN)

5. Dr. S. Dyer (anesthesiologist)

6. Dr. E. Egger (ophthalmologist)

7. Dr. T. Firozi (Gastroenterologist)

8. Dr. M. Kurdi (pulmonologist)

9. Dr. J. Perkins (OB/GYN)

10. Dr. J. Taylor (Cardiologist)

11. Dr. J. Almond (Orthopedics)

12. Dr. Swong (ENT)

13. Dr. M. Atubra (Pediatrics)

14. Dr. A. Tatum (Internal Med)

15. Dr. A. Martin (Pathologist)

16. Dr. F. Hadidi (Neurology)

17. Dr. A. Yates (Radiology)

18. Dr. A. Diamond (Cardiovascular Surgery)

19. There are too many nurses, and other medical staff to name.

20. The Burn Center is gone. That was the main objective when Ray took office as CEO.

21. KDH is gone too. What’s going to happen when they can’t pay the loan back to the banks when they acquired KDH?

Think about it. This city will have to pay it and your taxes will increase because it is a county hospital. This community needs to wake up and smell the coffee or they will get burned!!!

Sincerely,

A former Greenvillian that will never be a "Rayvillian"

Well, well... another dissatisfied customer! I can't add much to this commentary, but the writer poses a very valid question: If we are "Better Together" (as the billboards tout), then why are doctors and nurses fleeing Greenville in mass?

Talk to your friends who work at DRMC. Talk to the physicians who are on staff at DRMC. Talk to the patients who have sought treatment at DRMC... and then pick up the phone and talk to your city and county officials. Greenville deserves quality medical care, but we will never get that until YOUR voice is heard!

Forthright

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Where have all the Nurses Gone?

A local reader ponders...

I've read the interesting comments re: DMRC, the Burn Center's loss, and the poor state of affairs in Greenville. At such a sorry state it seems all we can do now is to improve all the problems--could it get worse?

Maybe, but someone would certainly have to go to jail in that case. One alarming fact I haven't heard much about is the small number of KDH staff that were absorbed by DRMC and I'm not referring to their part-time staff that worked at both hospitals. So far, I've counted only six staff--RN, LPN and clerical staff members.

What happened to the others? Why did DRMC have to hire 50 new Filipino nurses if there were RN's already on hand at KDH? I know most of the answers but want input from the blog.

Billw_willy

That is an excellent question and one that was recently answered for me when I ran into a local physician who also practices in Cleveland. He told me that his practice in Cleveland was booming and that walking into Bolivar Medical Center was like walking into King's Daughters Hospital.

When I asked what he meant, he stated that almost every employee from King's Daughters was now working at Bolivar Medical Center. He went on to say that it was not just the nursing staff, but ancillary and clerical staff as well.

I knew that their Chief Nursing Officer was a previous KDH employee who was well respected in the medical community, but still found it odd that so many Greenville residents would choose to drive 80 miles a day if they had secure jobs at DRMC.

Personally, I have never heard much good about Bolivar Medical Center and I expressed this to my physician friend. He agreed that in the past it was not a top-notch medical facility, but that under its new corporate ownership, it had made great strides and had employed some of the best clinical staff in the Delta.

As for DRMC's Filipino nurses, I have heard that rumor as well. It would seem that DRMC is in very sad shape if local nurses opt to drive to another city rather than work at our local hospital. From the little I know of current immigration laws, I would be dubious of 50 Filipinos being ushered into Greenville any time soon.

It is no revelation that I am not a fan of DRMC and its current administration. It is truly a shame that the once noted medical center has fallen victim to power-mongers who have little regard for the quality of medical care in Greenville.

In parting with my friend, I asked him what he thought about the destiny of DRMC. He simply smiled at me and said, "that chapter is being written as we speak."

So...... at least we know where our nurses are.

P.S. I would love to hear from someone who works at DRMC. Surely, someone must support our local medical facility. I will print any and all opposing or supporting views. Let's hear from you Delta.

Forthright


Sunday, February 11, 2007

A "Bumpy" Ride

"Local Reflector" replies:

No one can argue greed, ego, ignorance or apathy are critical ingredients of your argument and the fact of the situation. I must say that I believe DRMC was profitable earlier this decade and that it held a nine-figure savings account.

Something led the local lenders to "invest" in the county hospital. Now, using the words "investing" alongside "county-run hospital" is another tangent altogether. I can't speak for "nervous" local lenders but conclude that HUD's loan interest rates would be a better choice of leveraging the hospital's debt. At least, that's a correct move.

But Medicaid reimbursement cutbacks will really choke DRMC. It paid (when I was in the area) high salaries to recruit doctors - some of whom only scheduled a handful of procedures a year. So, the old financial albatross returns to the nest.

You really can't debate the facts...you really can't. At best, you can interpret the landscape and see where the economy and society are taking us and assess whether you really want to be along for the ride.

No, debating the facts would be pointless and yes, it does come down to a question of who wants to be along for the "ride".

From the looks of the local real estate guide, it appears that a great majority of our residents are responding "Not me". Greenville taxpayers are tired of the empty promises of local officials who boast of "significant progress" while on their watch. (Mayor Hudson's state of the city address in Sunday's DDT)

Downtown resembles a post-war third world country, the schools are deplorable, roads impassable, health care in shambles and property values at an all time low. All the "spin" we can muster doesn't negate the fact that Greenville is in a spiraling decline!

Can it be saved? Perhaps, but not as long as we continue to believe in the Svengalis who led us into this political and racial quagmire. Quit believing in Greenville.. and start believing in (and being a part of) what Greenville COULD be!

Forthright