Mercy is not closing, says its president

The Fort Scott City Commission heard it straight from the source Tuesday evening - Mercy Hospital is not closing.

Reta Baker, president of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott, updated the commission during its regular meeting on challenges the hospital and health care in general are currently facing.

While there are no current plans to close the hospital, changes in health care will have to take place for the hospital to be sustainable in the future, Baker said.

"There are rumors the hospital is closing," she said. "I can stand here and tell you there are no plans to close the hospital. Now are we aggressively looking at changes? Yes, we are."

Baker said there are concerns "not just in Fort Scott, but across the nation" about the sustainability of health care for the future. She mentioned some challenges Mercy is currently dealing with.

"The health care environment is unstable," she said. "Medicare and Medicaid funding is diminished. There is an increasing number of uninsured and underinsured. There are no plans by the governor for Medicaid expansion. There are more stringent health care regulations. And Fort Scott is primarily a Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield community."

Baker said the cost of operations and health care are also rising. Needed state-of-the-art equipment is becoming more expensive. Baker said the hospital currently has a 10-year-old MRI machine. The life expectancy on those machines is five to eight years.

"Across Kansas, conversations are being held," she said.

Baker said one question being asked is how many hospitals across the state will still be open in five years? Another big focus of ongoing talks has been centered around needs versus wants -- "what is needed to survive" versus "what is wanted," she said.

"I think we will see more and more consolidations and unique relationships built," she said. "One big question is, 'What should health care look like for the Fort Scott community?' What can be provided to be sustainable? We've been making changes and adjustments for several years in preparation for what's coming."

Baker said she did not have a timeline or specifics as far as Mercy's plan of action for the future, but she did say "hopefully soon," as the current environment is causing stress among the hospital's staff.

Baker said "population health management is the future."

"The population has to engage," she said. "We have to take responsibility for our own health. Those who are non-compliant become a burden on the health care system."

Baker said the Sisters of Mercy health system has been in Fort Scott for several years and she assured commissioners and attendees of Tuesday's meeting that "there will be health care in the community."

"We want to be here, it's our intent," she said.

Baker said she continues to encourage open dialogue in the community about the future of health care locally, as well as services that are desired and would be supported by community members.

Commissioner Lucas Cosens asked what impact, if any, future expansion of Medicaid, if approved by Gov. Sam Brownback, would have on Mercy Hospital.

Baker said there would be "no dramatic effects" but the change would help Mercy Hospital and possibly other hospitals in rural towns to provide more services such as clinical care and diagnostics.

"You have a hard task in front of you," Mayor Cindy Bartelsmeyer told Baker.

"It's a hard task but never boring," Baker said.

Cosens also asked Baker if she would be willing, if commissioners were on board, to send the governor a letter from Baker and the commission regarding the expansion of Medicaid. Baker agreed and said her office has contacted the governor's office numerous times by letter regarding various issues.

City Manager Dave Martin offered his comments on the issue, saying keeping health care and Mercy part of the community are important goals.

"It is critically important to help Mercy with their obstacles," he said. "We want to make sure and let commissioners and the public know how important Mercy is, and be completely transparent with what we're doing ... I'm optimistic we're headed in the right direction. Mercy Hospital is part of our future."

In other business, the commission:

* Approved the consent agenda, which included appropriation ordinances totaling $383,974.

* Approved a recommendation by the Board of Zoning Appeals to appoint Brian Rhoades to fill a vacant spot on the board. City Clerk Diane Clay said Rhoades' letter of interest was the only letter the city received regarding the open seat on the board. The term is for four years and will run through May 22, 2018.

* Following a public hearing, approved allowing the owner of a structure and accessory structure located at 411 Osbun St., 60 days to complete repairs before demolition proceedings occur. Scott Beerbower, the owner of the property, told the commission he would make significant improvements, such as clearing trees and trash, installing new windows and other exterior work within seven days to make the structure look presentable from the street. The structure also needs a new roof and siding. Beerbower said he will remove the accessory structure, as it is beyond repairs.