Pottsville, Pa – Workers at Schuylkill Medical Center hosted a Community Town Hall meeting on Wednesday May 4th, 2016 just weeks after the hospital announcement a partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network.
“It was important to bring people together to find out what the community is hoping for with this new partnership,” said Brian Symons, a cook at the hospital. “We have a great opportunity with LVHN to build something really special, and we’re looking forward to working with them to do just that.”
The workers were joined by community leaders and other area residents for an open discussion, including what key services would be provided in the future.
“In the months leading up to the partnership announcement, there were a lot of rumors about departments closing,” said Pam Smith, nurse assistant in the psych department. “People would ask me ‘Will we have OB? Will we have cancer treatment? Will we keep the mental health services?’ These are really important issues that are on the public’s mind, so we wanted to make sure people had the opportunity to share their thoughts.”
Another issue discussed was the need for good, family-sustaining jobs.
“It’s no secret that this area struggles economically,” said Heather Mannon, from housekeeping. “Since SMC is one of the largest employers in the region, people look to it to provide good jobs.”
Over 60 people attended the event, including dozens of supporters from the community, representatives from Congressman Cartwright and Rep. Goodman's offices, and physicians.
“Whether it’s workers, patients, neighbors, or LVHN, we all want the same thing – and that’s a successful hospital that serves this community in the best way possible – with outstanding service and quality jobs” continued Mannon. “This is a new chapter in our hospital’s history, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
Posted from Press Release from Karen Gownley
