Pam Adams has written a couple of recent articles in the Journal about changes at Methodist Medical Center. I’m not sure where she’s getting her information, but too many of her statements are false and some are just plainly offensive.

Factually, Methodist started as the Deaconess Home and Hospital Association in 1898 thanks to three Methodist deaconesses, one who called home the Methodist Church in Averyville, my old stomping grounds. No, I wasn’t alive then and I didn’t know Miss Minna Riggs, one of three founders of Methodist Hospital. But beyond not knowing the age or history of Methodist Hospital, Adams made some blatantly offensive and totally false assertions that painted past and present employees and managers with her negative printer’s ink. She claimed, “When (Michael) Bryant arrived at Methodist in 1999, the hospital was suffering from a bad case of poor image problems and poor finances, not to mention persistent rumors that it was up for sale.”

Adams is wrong on all assertions. Methodist has never had a poor image, unlike the local newspaper.  I spent 25 years (not 25 minutes) at Methodist serving under four different administrators. Eventually becoming Vice President of Corporate Communications, one of my
responsibilities was the collection and evaluation of patient and community surveys.

Each month and each year the responses were over 95% positive; usually 98%. I spoke regularly before church and community organizations throughout Peoria and central Illinois earning the mythical title of, “Mr. Methodist.” Never then, and never after I retired, did Methodist “suffer from a bad case of poor image problems.” That is just plain BS from Ms. Adams. And the same is true about her claim about “poor finances.” When she refers to “persistent rumors that it was up for sale,” she’s wrong again, unless she’s talking about the last five years under Bryant.

There were never any rumors that Methodist was for sale prior to Bryant’s arrival. However,
the rumors began at least three years ago as acknowledged by interim CEO Debbie Simon. She stated Methodist had been researching “affiliations” with other health organizations leading to the for sale rumors. But even that is a stretch that the hospital was for sale.

Adams further asserted, “The high visibility Bryant cultivated as he revived Methodist…”
is more subjective gibberish by Adams. I will agree that Bryant made Methodist more visible on television and billboards spending millions on marketing campaigns from TV and radio commercials to sponsorships of fireworks (estimated at $100,000) and other community events.  But “revived?” From what? In my tenure at Methodist, the marketing budget I handled was always restricted to $600,000 to $800,000 and I think Methodist was as visible as necessary.
Given today’s guidelines and restrictions on health plans, the “high visibility” Adams refers to doesn’t necessarily translate into increased admissions. As a matter of fact, I would submit the ratio of E.R. admissions at Methodist compared to St. Francis was better in the 1980’s and 90’s than today despite the increase in marketing dollars.

Then the most insulting statement Adams made was, “Bryant essentially cleaned house.” I wish she had supported her unsubstantiated and wild claim. But she didn’t. One would assume Bryant fired incompetent people. Who were they? When I retired six years before Bryant’s arrival, I was proud to be associated with a lot of fine, competent managers, directors, nurses, doctors, housekeepers, laundry and other ancillary people. I think health care people are among the finest in the world; sensitive, caring, compassionate and dedicated. And that description fits interim CEO Debbie Simon.

I started at Methodist in 1968 and Debbie came eight years later as a floor nurse. Over the years she’s developed into an outstanding administrator. She brings to the local health care environment a much more cooperative positive attitude. Debbie will improve hospital and physician relationships. I’ve learned she has already met with Proctor and St. Francis
officials and is working to rebuild key physician relationships. Debbie is a bridge builder and will remain loyal to long-term employees. I always admired her inter-personal skills and wish her much success! I’m sure trustees at Methodist and the Iowa Health System will give her serious consideration as Bryant’s replacement as well they should.

CASE CLOSED

Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady informs me that his “office has completed gathering information and statements” about Peoria County Board member Brian Elsasser. Elsasser, you may remember, had attempted to get the board to stop the awarding of a bid for structural steel for the new Bel-Wood Nursing Home in West Peoria. Elsasser wanted the board to delay the vote and to change bid specifications. Though Elsasser said his motive was “to save the county
money,” he later acknowledged had the board supported his efforts, it could’ve benefited a
company that employed a relative. In a statement to this columnist, Brady said, “Based on the statements, information gathered, and review of the applicable statues, no criminal charges will be filed.”

SHOCKING

On the other hand, local marketing agencies were shocked to learn the County Board awarded a contract to market its nursing home to a Florida firm. This was a very poor decision considering the local job market, if you pardon the pun. I’m told local business woman Mary Ardapple led the charge to hire a firm not only not from Peoria or Peoria County, but outside Illinois. Keep in mind Chicago is home to some of the best marketing and advertising agencies in the world. But let me keep the argument local. How in the hell can any elected official justify sending local tax dollars to Florida when there are numerous quality marketing agencies in Peoria? Many of these have won national honors and awards. I love cookies. Some of the best cookies I’ve ever eaten are from Apple’s Bakery. However, several times during the year I receive brochures and pamphlets advertising delicious cookies and baked items from Harry and David’s business in the state of Washington. The color pictures showing baked items make my mouth water. Now where should
I buy my cookies?  From Harry and David or should I help local businesses like Apple’s Bakery?  Why Mary and those who voted to spend our money in Florida is beyond me.

I TOLD YOU

Several months ago Illinois legislators gave approval to increasing truck speed on Illinois interstate highways to 65 mph. I said then it was foolish, unnecessary and dangerous to allow these huge vehicles to go as fast as cars primarily because of their inability to stop as quickly as the four wheelers. Within one week, we had three serious truck accidents costing the life of one person and injuring others. One of the truck drivers admitted he lost control before crashing. In an area accident, not surprisingly, one truck rammed the rear of another on

474. As a frequent
driver on I-74, I’ve estimated more than once 18 wheelers going 75-80 mph. While stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army, I drove on the autobahn where there was no speed limit. It was not unusual to see trucks looking like pancakes after hitting overpasses. A simple fact. Speed kills. Apparently legislators don’t know that or don’t care.

RUSH FANS ARE HAPPY

Rush Limbaugh fans were giddy recently after hearing local union commercials in sponsorship of the Conservative radio program on WMBD. I’m told the plumbers, sheet metal workers and carpenter unions all paid for radio spots heard on both Limbaugh and Hannity programs. That’s like hearing Tea Party spots on MSNBC. Apparently local unions support Rush and Hannity and their anti-union and anti-Democrat messages.

HURTING OR HELPING?

The same Republicans who were cackling about the union radio commercials were debating whether Ray LaHood’s constant public support of President Obama and criticism of Congressional Republicans will help or hurt son Darin’s run for “re-election” for State Representative. The older LaHood angered many former supporters first with his enthusiastic
endorsement of “Obamacare” and more recently with his criticism of Republicans for not voting for Obama’s second or third stimulus bill inappropriately titled as a jobs bill.

MISSING A FRIEND

Former player and coach and great friend of many, Don Matthews has died. Like others, I’ve known Don and his wife Carol for decades. Carol was a student of mine when I taught as a graduate assistant at Bradley. Don won accolades for his athletic skills as a player and later as a coach. I enjoyed Don’s friendship primarily because of his wit and humor, which was as dry as wallpaper. We served together on the board of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. I’ve been the emcee for the annual banquet now for over 12 years and Don loved to approach me before the start of ceremonies with a joke he said I could use. I laughingly always said, “If it’s that good, Don, you use it when you speak.” And he would.

My favorite Don Matthews story was when he played basketball for Coach Forrdy Anderson at Bradley. That is, when Anderson would let him play. One night at a game at the fieldhouse, Coach Anderson called Matthews to his side at the bench. Thinking he was going to get into the game, Don said he excitedly hurried to the coach’s side. The coach told Matthews, “Don, I want
you to go to the dressing room with (starter) Johnny Kent and exchange team shorts with him.  Kent has ripped his.” Don loved to tell that story with a wry and self-deprecating smile on his
face. The last time he shared his story with us was during a “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” WOAM remote at Louie’s Sterling Family Restaurant. Of course, everyone laughed which was music to Don’s ears. We extend our condolences to the Matthews family. Wonderful people all, as was Don. I was proud and privileged to be a friend.

THANKSGIVING

“He who thanks but with lips

Thanks but in part;

The full, the true Thanksgiving

Come from the heart.”

— J.A. Shedd

From my heart I want to thank those who have prayed for and helped my wife as she copes with a brain tumor that has now placed her in a wheelchair unable to walk or even stand. This challenge, along with other neurological obstacles, have made life difficult for her, but I thank God for the positive and even cheerful attitude she possesses buoyed by her morning caregiver, Gloria.

We wish everyone