Copyright 2006 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
By ESTHER J. CEPEDA
The Chicago Sun-Times
While a gospel choir belted out a spiritual to celebrate a renewed commitment to serve the West Side community surrounding Advocate Bethany Hospital, Gwendolyn Stewart was chanting, “Don’t sell out!”
Advocate Bethany Hospital launched its “We Believe in Bethany” campaign by announcing a $14 million community health fund to improve health services in the community. The hospital held a rally Thursday to raise employee spirits in the face of anger from community groups opposed to Bethany’s conversion to a long-term care facility.
Some of that anger is felt by Stewart, 71, a West Side resident who came out Thursday morning, along with about 100 other members of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, outraged that Advocate Health Care has effectively closed its doors to emergency cases.
825-Bed Surplus Cited
“It’s bad enough that they don’t have stethoscopes and sometimes not even blankets,” said Stewart. “It’s bad enough they laid off over 200 people. But if no ambulances can come here, and my implanted defibrillator acts up — I’ll be dead before they can get me to another hospital.”
Advocate officials disagree, citing research that paints a picture of a community surrounded by 10 hospitals within four miles of Bethany underutilizing an estimated 825-bed surplus.
“The percentage of patients receiving emergency care at Bethany was very small, and of those, 80 percent could have received adequate services from a doctor,” said Nahlah Daddino, director of community relations for Advocate.
She said the $14 million would be spent on health services that various West Side community health centers already offer.
“Also, our new partnership with Access Community Health Network will establish a clinic on the Bethany campus to serve primary care needs,” Daddino said.
Rep. Davis Sees Benefits
The health fund will be under the watchful eye of the newly formed Fund Advisory Council, which includes community leaders, clergy and Advocate representatives.
Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.), a supporter of Advocate’s olive branch, said the community would certainly benefit from increased education, health screening and advocacy efforts.
“Could any private organization ever provide enough money to serve the needs of a low-income community? Does it absolve Advocate of their responsibility?” Davis said with a shrug.
“I’m sure those questions will go unanswered for time to come. In the meantime, none of that can actually hurt.”