Carlisle clinic that lost its doctors tries to heal
By David Wenner, The Patriot-News, Harrisburg, Pa. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
But Green predicts a well-staffed, revamped clinic by the end of August. "It's looking very optimistic at this point," he said on Monday.
Sadler, when running at full strength, provides medical and dental care for about 9,000 people with lower incomes, including many who are covered by government programs or have no heath insurance.
It was rocked earlier this year by the resignation of all four of its physicians. Presently, Sadler is relying on a temporary doctor and two nurse practitioners. However, one of the nurse practitioners will leave by the end of the month.
"In the month of July, it just looks like were going to have a very difficult time taking care of adult patients ... By the end of August, I think we'll be doing really well," Green said.
Green said Sadler will still be able to serve pediatric patients, and stressed dental care hasn't been disrupted.
Green said he's making progress in recruiting new doctors and additional nurse practitioners, who are qualified to diagnose illnesses and write prescriptions and, according to Green, can handle 80 percent of patient needs.
He said Monday he was awaiting a signed contract from a nurse practitioner who would start in early August, and had an interview scheduled this week with a physician who would serve at the Sadler's medical director.
Green said he's conducting a national search for two more doctors; he stressed there's a national shortage of family doctors, which slows the process. He further said his goal is to find doctors whose goals align closely with those of Sadler.
He said he's using the rebuilding process to revamp many of the work practices at Sadler, and to closely align the staff with Sadler's mission.
"We're implementing a cultural transformation within the organization to create a more team-oriented and team-focused environment. It's just a different model. It's not to say what I stepped into was wrong. It's just different," said Green, who came to Sadler early this year following the resignation of the previous CEO,
But it's been a painful year so far.
After news of Sadler's troubles broke this spring, many people thought Sadler was closed, Green said.
All the while, Sadler has been dealing with a revenue shortfall of about
On Monday, Sadler laid off four employees in non-patient care positions. Beyond that, Sadler has left some vacant positions unfilled, and many staff members have accepted voluntary reductions in their hours, Green said.
Sadler, which is located in downtown
However, Green said his staffing goal is a medical director who will see patients part-time, two additional physicians, and four nurse practitioners. He believes that configuration will enable Sadler to serve as many patients as it did at it's peak, if not more.
Sadler said local medical practices have been helping to meet needs of Sadler patients, and
Sadler has an annual budget of about
The partnership upped this year's contribution by about
Meanwhile, Green said he's working with a consultant to improve Sadler's application for federal funding. The target is a federal grant program that could provide up to
Both Green and Burke credited Sadler staff for their efforts during the trying times and for steps such as accepting reductions in hours.
Green said, "We have an incredible staff here. We would not have been able to weather these transitions without the dedication of our staff. It's been inspiring in a lot of ways."
The Sadler staff presently numbers 32, down from 42 at the beginning of the year.
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