05.08.06 Mayor on decision to restructure St. Michael's hospital

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2006

Contact:	Eileen Force, Communications Director
	Office of Mayor Tom Barrett
	414-286-8504 (phone) 414-286-3191 (fax) eforce@milwaukee.gov

Mayor Tom Barrett on Wheaton Franciscan's decision to restructure St. Michael's hospital

"Wheaton Franciscan's decision to eliminate emergency services and inpatient care at St. Michael's is bad news for Milwaukeeans. I am particularly concerned about the more than 150,000 patients who will be further away from healthcare services and the 500 people whose jobs are now in jeopardy.

The moral obligation not-for-profit hospitals have to serve the poor and the hospital industry's economics are clearly at odds. While this is a cost saving measure for Wheaton, it does not bring down the cost of heath care for consumers or for other providers.

I do appreciate Wheaton's commitment to St. Joseph's. The expanded emergency room at St. Joe's will benefit patients now being served at St. Mike's.

Milwaukee has huge health disparities and a community health infrastructure that needs significant resources. This restructuring presents Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare with the opportunity to reiterate its commitment to address the community healthcare needs in the City of Milwaukee, and I call on it to do so."

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