State health care fix will require collaboration from agencies

Dear Editor:

In regard to the recent budget cuts to the LSU Health System and other key healthcare providers, the Louisiana Hospital Association believes the goal for healthcare transformation in Louisiana should be to keep our communities healthy, provide access to coordinated, efficient care, and reward quality and positive outcomes.

Community hospitals work closely and collaborate daily with the LSU Health System in providing health services and medical education in their facilities. Many of the physicians who work with our community hospitals graduated from one of the two LSU Health Science Center medical schools.

Community hospitals, too, are concerned about the recent deep budget cuts that are affecting the LSU Health System. No stranger to budget cuts, we have offered full cooperation to the LSU Health System, its healthcare and medical professionals, and most importantly to patients and families.

We recently sent a letter to LSU President, Dr. William Jenkins, on behalf of our 150 member hospitals and health systems offering our assistance in this immediate situation and in any future public/private partnership efforts.

We acknowledge the challenges ahead and, while we do not have all the answers, we are committed to working collaboratively with LSU officials, the administration, the Legislature, DHH and local communities to find solutions that work.

John A. Matessino

President & CEO

Louisiana Hospital Association