The Medical Center of South Arkansas Board of Trustees voted Thursday, July 29, to "request new administrative structure," while eschewing other recommendations made by "independent counsel" that conducted an investigation into allegations made in a letter written by the hospital's general medical staff about a June vote of no confidence in hospital administration.
On June 5, MCSA Chief of Staff Dr. Ezinne Nwude confirmed that the general medical staff at the hospital had unanimously voted no confidence in the hospital's administration, specifically with regard to CEO Scott Street. She said then that the leadership issues at the hospital affected quality of patient care and staff morale.
In a memo circulated to MCSA staff on June 6, Street said the hospital had "engaged independent counsel to conduct a thorough and complete investigation of the matters raised."
Vicki Gilliam, an attorney representing 11 doctors who participated in the vote of no confidence, told the News-Times that the Tennessee-based law firm Bass, Berry and Sims had been retained by the hospital to conduct the investigation. According to the firm's website, attorneys there have previously represented Community Health Systems (CHS), the company that owns MCSA, in a number of legal matters.
Gilliam said a report on the investigation was to be presented to the MCSA Board of Trustees on Thursday, July 29, and following that, the Board was to meet with the general medical staff of the hospital to discuss the findings.
Alexandria Bennett, executive director of business development for MCSA, on Saturday provided the News-Times a second memo Street wrote to staff on Friday, July 30, time-stamped 9:18 p.m., about the Board meeting.
The July 30 memo states that the investigation was complete and that the results and several recommendations based upon the findings were presented to the Board of Trustees on Thursday.
"These recommendations include efforts to strengthen the relationship between our administrative team and the medical staff, and specifically included bringing in an interim Chief Medical Officer and establishing a physician advisory council. Other recommendations involved expanding clinical support by exploring the potential for a second OR (Operating Room) call team and working on additional training related to patients transferring to our hospital," the memo reads.
However, Street goes on to state in the memo, the Board of Trustees "did not vote to implement those recommendations, but did vote to request a new administrative structure."
"In the weeks ahead, we will be discussing what that means about how our administrative team is structured and operating," the memo continues. "What I mostly want you to hear from me today is that I am very appreciative of the quality of care you provide for our patients and the service this hospital provides for our community. We will continue to work together to ensure the best care and patient experience we can offer."
The News-Times reached out to Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Robinson by phone and email and did not receive a response by press time Saturday. The News-Times also reached out to other Trustees, including John Moore, Dr. Larkin Wilson, Dr. Bernadette Fincher and Dr. John Ratcliff, but did not hear back by press time Saturday. Board member Wayne Gibson referred the News-Times to Board Chairman Robinson.