HJAR Nov/Dec 2022

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  NOV / DEC 2022 21 down from administration that completely went against everything we were taught and learned in working during COVID.” One nurse said COVID patients were even admitted on the same floor as immuno- compromised surgery patients. A hospital spokesperson said MCSAwas following the then current CDC guidance when it came to COVID patients. The second two nurses also reiterated some of the concerns the ICU nurses the News-Times spoke to had outlined regard- ing capacity. “Administrators tell doctors who they can and cannot admit to the hospital even if the doctors feel they don’t have the capability, as a small community hospital, to give them the care they need… It’s like [hospital admin- istrators] are practicing medicine without a license,” one said. And on Aug. 22, the News-Times pub- lished a third story, this one recount- ing interviews with ancillary employees — including workers in the radiology, phle- botomy, laboratory and respiratory services departments — who also had complaints about MCSA leadership. One told the newspaper that the num- ber of respiratory therapists was cut even though there were more patients because of the pandemic. Meanwhile, many of the ancillary employees hadn’t received a pay raise in years and knew — from a salary sur- vey conducted by MCSA — that they were underpaid compared to others with their job at other facilities. “We provide quality care and we’re going to do what we have to do to make sure of that, but these are the conditions that we have to do it under. We’re overworked,”one said. Some ancillary employees also alleged that CARESAct funds meant to be disbursed to frontline workers did not make it to their intended recipients. Some said they endured long waits to receive the CARES Act pay and that some out-of-state staff members were allegedly told they didn’t qualify for the funds. Ahospital spokesperson disputed both allegations, saying the funds were paid out “properly and promptly.” Ancillary employees also said they were asked to sign statements affirming their support of hospital staff and those in administrative positions amid the vote of no confidence and subsequent investigation. Some said they declined to sign. “We do not support some of the adminis- trative positions and we agree with what the doctors are fighting for,” one said. Even less confidence On Aug. 12, MCSA Chief Nursing Officer Amy Triplet resigned, according to an email Street sent toMCSAstaff that day. The email also announced former Chief Quality Offi- cer Danna Taylor’s promotion to “associate administrator.” Additionally, Street told MCSA staff that the hospital would be ending its relationship with SCPHealth, with whichMCSAhad until then contracted with for clinicians to staff the hospital. Several of the physicians who partici- pated in the original vote of no confi- dence, including Nwude and her husband, Ugo Nwude, MD, Greg Smart, MD, Joseph DeLuca, MD, and Abrar Khan, MD, were employed at MCSA through SCP Health. “The conclusion by my clients, along with the other member of the medical staff, is that this likely is retribution or retaliation for the SCP doctors who have been vocal in their support of the level of quality of patient care and treatment for the people of this community,” Gilliam, the attorney representing 11 doctors who participated in the first vote, told the El DoradoNews-Times . An MCSA spokesperson denied that the decision to end the contract with SCPHealth was retaliatory and said Street told doctors employed through the agency that “they will be able to discuss potential opportunities with the new [staffing] group or in the com- munity, if they are interested.” That evening, the general medical staff met again and held two votes: a second no confidence vote, which this time specifically named Street and his leadership, and a vote to maintain the hospital’s relationship with SCPHealth. They sent letters on both votes to the board of trustees and Stockton, the CHS regional president. Twelve days later, Street resigned from his position as CEO. “I’m sad about leaving our great team, but I’m also sure this is the right decision at this point in our journey. Sometimes, change is needed to move forward,” he wrote in an email to MCSA staff. He did not give a specific reason for his resignation in his email to staff members but did reference the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic had placed on those in the health- care industry. Included in Street’s email was a note from Stockton, who said Street would be taking another position with CHS in Northwest Arkansas. Gilliam said Street’s resignation was a step in the right direction. “... the general medical staff met again [on August 12] and held two votes: a second no confidence vote, which this time specifically named Street and his leadership, and a vote to maintain the hospital’s relationship with SCP Health.”