Providers share concerns over the future of Wakefield’s South County Hospital

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — 40 doctors, nurses, and medical providers are expressing concerns of South County Hospital’s future in Wakefield.

In a letter sent to leadership at South County Health and South County Hospital, physicians are raising concerns following the June action where hematology oncology providers resigned.

“Chronic underfunding of the health care delivery system,” was a reason for the mass resignation.

“We have taken the unusual step of coming together to highlight that these are not isolated complaints, but broader systemic and administrative concerns that require urgent attention,” they state in the letter.

Physicians state a lack of support relationships between executive leadership and providers, most recently exemplified by the resignations of the Cancer Center staff due to “irreconcilable differences over issues directly affecting patient care,” they said.

“Although these concerns were frequently brought to the attention of management, they fell on deaf ears,” the letter states.

“Many patients are understandably worried over who would treat them during potentially life-ending illnesses and do not want to rely on unknown temporary providers to develop trust and confidence required for keeping positive attitudes during these serious health challenges,” they state.

In a response, South County Health said Dr. Christopher Seidler has expressed his commitment to South County Health and its community, and will remain employed by South County Medical Group assuming the role of Interim Medical Director for Hematology and Oncology.

Additionally, South County Health recently introduced three new hematology-oncology physicians for coverage to ensure patients have continuity of care.

In a statement sent to ABC, Doctor Steven Fera said that these medical providers are raising their voices against the alarming changes sweeping through this health system, specifically, changes that “threaten to erode the quality of medical care at this vital 100-bed community hospital.”

“This system is not just another provider; it is the primary lifeline for residents from Warwick to Westerly. The potential decline in care stems from management decisions that challenge the survival of the hospital founded 105 years ago,” his statement continues.

South County Health said they continue to navigate a challenging healthcare environment in Rhode Island, including “costs that continue to skyrocket and underfunding resulting from disparately low reimbursement rates.”

“This has systematically created an unsustainable healthcare delivery environment, and is the direct root cause of the challenges that all Rhode Island healthcare systems experience, not just South County Health, in recruiting and retaining providers, as well as their inability to fully invest in infrastructure,” they said.

South County Health continued that they decisions that they make “are often viewed by some as detrimental to the community, while others may conjecture South County Health is simply attempting to maximize profits. These assertions lack validity and seek to sow discord, community anxiety, and distract management from the challenge of ensuring sustainability of our health system despite extraordinary challenges,” they continued.

“These assertions are being made without context by those who do not understand the measures South County Health’s administration took prior to arriving at what are often difficult decisions. We value the input of our physicians, staff, and community members. Open communication and collaboration are critical to our success, and we are committed to fostering a culture where all voices are heard and respected,” they said.

The hospital will hold a live Q&A with leadership on September 16. 

You can view the letter here: SCH response to letter of complaint