Docs seek ousting of hospital leadership
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center execs are under fire after medical staff members issued a recent vote of no confidence.
By Michelle Dynes
mdynes@wyomingnews.com
CHEYENNE -- Doctors affiliated with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center have asked for the resignation of the hospital's chief executive officer and the chairman of the board of trustees.
Medical staff members met to discuss workplace satisfaction and the results of a recent satisfaction survey during a special meeting Thursday, said neurosurgeon Dr. Steven Beer.
The No. 1 complaint was poor communication with CEO Charlie Harms. He added that Harms has had several years to improve the work environment, but satisfaction continues to drop.
Beer could not recall how many people attended the meeting but said that 75 percent of the participants issued a vote of "no confidence" in the leadership at CRMC. The group also approved resolutions asking Harms and Board of Trustees Chairman William Bagley to step down.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is 1:30 p.m. Thursday at CRMC.
"I want to provide the community here with the best care available (and) cutting-edge technologies," Beer said.
He added that it is a difficult task when doctors do not have a good working relationship with administration. In 2005, three surgeons left Wyoming Medical Center in Casper over a similar dispute.
Beer said physicians and administrators should work together to improve patient care. Instead, there is little room to negotiate doctor contracts, and the attitude at CRMC seems to be that doctors are replaceable.
He said local physicians also want more input on program development and new equipment.
"We may have been listened to, but nothing has been acted upon," Beer added.
According to a statement released by CRMC officials, administrators are dedicated to resolving the concerns.
"We are committed to doing whatever it will take to improve the relationship with our physicians. Our commitment to our community and health-care partners is to establish a culture of excellence to serve our patients. Both the hospital and physicians want an efficient, safe hospital where patients are well cared for."
Reader Comments
Watching with Amusement wrote on Sep 30, 2008 12:19 PM:
" Mr. Harm's departure is quite healthy for CRMC. However, the entire BANNER-CONNECTION should go next as they were brought in with horrible results. I think Charlie & company have a fundamental flaw- no experience in a public setting. What they have brought in was strictly PRIVATE-HOSPITAL-FOR-PROFIT mentality. It can also be "CROANEY-ISM" or "Professional Nepotism" that further diminished Mr. Harm's effectiveness. No doubt the PAYROLL COSTS in the multiple levels of managment at CRMC is bewildering. I would love to know what we are paying these individuals to screw things up so badly? I don't think we are getting our money's worth!!! Who hired all of these folks? I never saw ANY internal or external job postings? Did I miss something? I will add that is is NOT FAIR to generalize "that all people/employees from Colorado" are bad for the organization. We also have many working here from other states. The problem is the BANNER CONNECTION and that needs addressing STAT! "
Headed South wrote on Sep 30, 2008 9:37 AM:
" We made the mistake of using the Cheyenne Hospital. I go south now and we continue to use Colorado for medical care. CRMS is just for Medicare and Medicaid individuals. My private insurance buys the best most of the time. I am not limited by my insurance to Cheyenne. The current ER is a joke. "
MIke wrote on Sep 30, 2008 9:22 AM:
" When you go to the hospital for one stitch and it costs 600-800 bucks I'M DONE!!!!!!!!of that 300 bucks or so goes to the doc I saw for 1-2 mins,,he said hi, how are you.and walked out.A lpn or rn put one stitch in and walked out.5 mins of work and 4 hours at the ER. "
Mike wrote on Sep 30, 2008 9:05 AM:
" Without good doc's what's a hospital for?
Replace all the doc's or replace 2 people..
It's not just one doc coming foreword. "
Replace all the doc's or replace 2 people..
It's not just one doc coming foreword. "
please wrote on Sep 30, 2008 7:18 AM:
" Everyone, please pay attention. It is Dr. Beer, not Dr. Beers. Not plural at all. And for those of you who think CRMC was managed correctly get a life. I worked there for 3 years and saw some pathetic stuff. Find an Organizational chart for the management positions and you will see what I mean. When the hired the last manager we were told she developed a "simulation center" in Northern Colorado. For what? Then they made a few new positions including "Talent Manager." I am still waiting for the talent show as what else would a talent manager do. And trust me, there were many other so called new positions with some very funny titles, most likely in useless positions. "
Hey Rose wrote on Sep 30, 2008 7:18 AM:
" It sounds like you worked in the lab, or the ER, or ICU, or OB, or step down, or administration, or radiology, or . . . well, you get the idea. CRMC is jacked up and getting rid of Charlie Harms More Than He Helps was good. Now they need to get rid of those lazy ineffective sloths that occupy the rest of middle management. I could care less where those twits come from, WY or CO -- they need to go. I also could care less where the replacements come from, heck, lets bring in folks from NE and UT maybe they will do better than those of us from CO or WY. "
Larry wrote on Sep 30, 2008 6:59 AM:
" OH MY GOD so many of you sit here and complaine about how bad the heath care is in cheyenne, yet when the hospital tries to improve, the lot of you whine more. If heath care is so bad here THEN GO find your self another hospital, other wise stop whinning like a little girl. Changes need to be made, but how can that happen when the people of cheyenne complaine at every turn? "
Ralphinphnx wrote on Sep 30, 2008 1:46 AM:
" So don't forget that
the Medical Profession
is the Only Profession
that gets to bury its
mistakes!..Cheyenne
a City With Very Limited Medical Care! "
the Medical Profession
is the Only Profession
that gets to bury its
mistakes!..Cheyenne
a City With Very Limited Medical Care! "
Ex employee wrote on Sep 29, 2008 9:03 PM:
" As a past employee at the Cheyenne hospital, also working there as a travler, I would not come back to work there unless mid mangemet on up was replaced. I found that it is very top heavy. In the department that I worked in, if you weren't part of the "click" you were treated like garbage. I have known some very good and outstanding employees that were driven away because they were not part of the "click". Also they were not very receptive to new ideas. Their attitude is "this is they way always have done things and always will. Not conductive to good working enviornment. I feel that changes from the top down will improve the working enviornment. Loved working with the staff. Just could not put up with the political stuff and they way I was treated by management. No wonder they cannot keep and recruit the the best employees. "
SS Lives Hater wrote on Sep 29, 2008 8:39 PM:
" I bet SS lives is probably thinking if we had a rec center none of this would be happening. You see all of the delinquints in the town would be over there probably getting tutored to become the next doctor. What say there SS STUPID "
Medical Care wrote on Sep 29, 2008 5:02 PM:
" If you are needing any type of major medical care and you are thinking of having it done with a Cheyenne doctor, your first stop should be to have your head examined.
As a Doctor in Northern Colorado, I need to tell you that my peers in the Cheyenne area are considered a running joke among true medical professionals.
I see more and more patients from South Wyoming and when I do ask why, the answer is always the same. Poor hospital and doctors who don't quite measure up.
Need a qualified doctor and a hospital that put's patients first? Drive south! "
As a Doctor in Northern Colorado, I need to tell you that my peers in the Cheyenne area are considered a running joke among true medical professionals.
I see more and more patients from South Wyoming and when I do ask why, the answer is always the same. Poor hospital and doctors who don't quite measure up.
Need a qualified doctor and a hospital that put's patients first? Drive south! "
The truth wrote on Sep 29, 2008 4:04 PM:
" If any of you (other than doctors) think Doctor Beers is looking out for you, FORGET IT! He has his own agenda and the outcome he is looking for benefits him and his peers alone ! "
You think you have it good wrote on Sep 29, 2008 3:58 PM:
" OMG, those of you who think that you have a good hospital with good doctors need to get away from Cheyenne. "
I was there wrote on Sep 29, 2008 2:57 PM:
" I read about Mr Harm's resignation and shook my head.
Here is a man who wanted nothing best for the hospital, but was fought every step of the way.
Once I was working in a surgery suite and one of the aesthesiologist had his half eaten lunch in the cart. When confronted, he screamed and pitched a fit, is main argument, "I am a doctor".
Yes, a doctor who should have known better, a doctor who put patients at risk, a doctor who was above the rules, a doctor who will be running our hospital.
Sorry Charlie, find a hospital that does more than talk about wanting to change, find one that really WANTS to change. "
Here is a man who wanted nothing best for the hospital, but was fought every step of the way.
Once I was working in a surgery suite and one of the aesthesiologist had his half eaten lunch in the cart. When confronted, he screamed and pitched a fit, is main argument, "I am a doctor".
Yes, a doctor who should have known better, a doctor who put patients at risk, a doctor who was above the rules, a doctor who will be running our hospital.
Sorry Charlie, find a hospital that does more than talk about wanting to change, find one that really WANTS to change. "
I am laughing so hard right now... wrote on Sep 29, 2008 2:50 PM:
" As a former employee of the hospital, Cheyenne will get what it deserves with Charlie leaving, a hospital that will continue to spiral down hill.
You ask why do so many Coloradoans work there... Maybe because so few people in your backwards town are qualified for most positions. Cheyenne is looked upon as a joke in this region, Charlie tryed bringing a horrible hospital kicking and screaming to standards that the rest of the US adhere to, only to be fought every step of the way.
What kind of doctor lives and work in Cheyenne? Bad ones.
Just for the record, there are plenty of high level people that run CRMC who are natives to your backwards town, one who sits in a high level position with a high school education.
The problem is that you can't have a good ol boy network and a good hospital together and Cheyenne in it's wisdom doesn't want change for the good, they want to be a joke to the west.
Run south Charlie, people here like doing things right. Same advice for any one seeing medical care, run SOUTH! "
You ask why do so many Coloradoans work there... Maybe because so few people in your backwards town are qualified for most positions. Cheyenne is looked upon as a joke in this region, Charlie tryed bringing a horrible hospital kicking and screaming to standards that the rest of the US adhere to, only to be fought every step of the way.
What kind of doctor lives and work in Cheyenne? Bad ones.
Just for the record, there are plenty of high level people that run CRMC who are natives to your backwards town, one who sits in a high level position with a high school education.
The problem is that you can't have a good ol boy network and a good hospital together and Cheyenne in it's wisdom doesn't want change for the good, they want to be a joke to the west.
Run south Charlie, people here like doing things right. Same advice for any one seeing medical care, run SOUTH! "
reader wrote on Sep 29, 2008 12:11 PM:
" Hey "Former Nurse Employee" from 9/24/08, 2:40 pm
That's Dr. Beer to you.
While Dr. Beer is opinionated. He is right on these matters.
And Dr. Parnell is incredibly correct in her assessment of the number of middle management positions and the efficacy of that structure.
This change was predestined. Watch the improvement from this day on. "
That's Dr. Beer to you.
While Dr. Beer is opinionated. He is right on these matters.
And Dr. Parnell is incredibly correct in her assessment of the number of middle management positions and the efficacy of that structure.
This change was predestined. Watch the improvement from this day on. "
Good Going wrote on Sep 29, 2008 11:29 AM:
" Charlie Harms was responsible for a lot of dead weight leaving the hospital too. There were a lot of long-term management members that simply needed to go. He didn't bring in good replacements, which was to his detriment. Hopefully, the dead weight will stay gone and the others will soon be moving on too. There are some great employees and docs at the hospital. They only need the right direction. "
Rose wrote on Sep 29, 2008 9:20 AM:
" Don't stop there folks you should clean out the people in Human Services who won't help out good employees who are losing their jobs because of false charges from rumdumb supervisors who have over inflated heads. I would rather die, then use your hospital. "
a nurse wrote on Sep 29, 2008 9:10 AM:
" I would like to reasure the public that the vast majority of nurses really do enjoy being nurses, caring for people and are good at their jobs. The morale plummeted here when the administration kept adding more and more VP's , senior VP's Junior VP's and just more VP's to the point where the staff had no idea who was who and what their role was in making this hospital a good and safe place to get care. It is very frustrating to go through nursing school highly motivated to take care of people and do it well, and when you actually get to work, you are so short staffed that you hope and pray that you can just get through your shift, let alone use all your knowledge and skills to help people regain their health.
I just hope that we can get back to decent staffing ratios, have the support and understanding of tha administration and have the doctors treat us with all due respect.
By the way some of the nursing VP's treat the nurses alot worse than the doctors ever dreamed of. "
I just hope that we can get back to decent staffing ratios, have the support and understanding of tha administration and have the doctors treat us with all due respect.
By the way some of the nursing VP's treat the nurses alot worse than the doctors ever dreamed of. "
insider wrote on Sep 28, 2008 10:45 PM:
" I'm sorry that once again Wyoming is kicking out someone who is trying to help. So on behalf of the decent folk of Wyoming I apologize to Mr. Harms for the mistreatment of his efforts to bring positive change and quality health care to the region.
I believe Mr. Harms is a kind and honest person who ended being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thank you for all your hard work whether the community sees it or not. I, at least, am sorry to see you go!
So now, to take my own advice from a previous post and from JFK: what can we do to help CRMC become the facility we want it to become? "
I believe Mr. Harms is a kind and honest person who ended being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thank you for all your hard work whether the community sees it or not. I, at least, am sorry to see you go!
So now, to take my own advice from a previous post and from JFK: what can we do to help CRMC become the facility we want it to become? "
insider wrote on Sep 28, 2008 10:35 PM:
" OMG! You negative people should be ashamed of yourselves! If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all! Help CRMC find solutions to the problems do not add to them! No wonder the rest of the country sees us as a bunch of backward hicks! Come on people, I thought Wyomingites were loyal, hard working, and honest people not negative, self-centered, and dishonest people! I'm disappointed that it seems the Cheyenne community can only see one side of this story and most of you don't even work at CRMC! I'm a RN and believe me doctors are not saints! Just because they might have good bedside manner in their clinics or when they do rounds does not mean they treat everyone else well, especially RN's, CNA's, and other support staff. Nor are they good businessmen that is why they are doctors. Maybe they should focus on treating patients and not attempting to fix the bottom line. I'd like to hear about your attitude in two years when nothing as changed because you've let the good ol' boy doctors take over. "
Concerned about Collaboration wrote on Sep 28, 2008 9:20 PM:
" Where is the focus on the patient in all these accusatory rants?. So many people on this post are proud to go to Colorado to get healthcare, others plan to work there, yet others want the "colorado people" to leave CRMC asap. Its interesting that employers and the public in Colorado don't have the same animosity toward people from Wyoming that is seen in these posts.
The patients and families that come to CRMC need and deserve excellent care without all the anger and conflict played out on these pages.
Many of our frail elderly and others don't have the time or money to cross the "border", some actually chose to come to CRMC for care by skilled nurses and treatment by skilled physicians.
As a healthcare professional for over 25years, it is discouraging to see such a disconnect between administration, physicians and staff. Only when these three very important segments of healthcare get back in alignment, will CRMC be able to move toward the worthy goals of patient safety and physician and staff satisfaction. Best of Luck in that difficult endeavor. "
The patients and families that come to CRMC need and deserve excellent care without all the anger and conflict played out on these pages.
Many of our frail elderly and others don't have the time or money to cross the "border", some actually chose to come to CRMC for care by skilled nurses and treatment by skilled physicians.
As a healthcare professional for over 25years, it is discouraging to see such a disconnect between administration, physicians and staff. Only when these three very important segments of healthcare get back in alignment, will CRMC be able to move toward the worthy goals of patient safety and physician and staff satisfaction. Best of Luck in that difficult endeavor. "
CO girl stuck here in Cheyenne wrote on Sep 28, 2008 7:10 PM:
" I find it interesting how many locals here hate Coloradoans and wish them gone. Yet, it is those from Colorado that bring in technology and knowledge. Cheyenne has not been a friendly place to live, for that I suppose the locals should be proud. As for the medical treatment here, I have been told by many in the medical community that if it's more than a basic cold or the flu - go to Colorado for treatment. I find that very sad and depressing for the medical community as well as all residents. It's a shame that you don't have enough concern for your own safety to find ways to create a better medical industry here. I am dumbfounded by the lack of respect for self and others here in Cheyenne. If you really care, find a way to save the diminishing healthcare system and maybe try being nice to all people - regardless of where they come from. "
Toni W wrote on Sep 28, 2008 12:22 PM:
" The quality of care at CRMC is TERRIBLE - you can't blame that on top administration. Most the staff does not care about patients -if you are elderly especially seek care elsewhere!!!! "
Former Employee wrote on Sep 27, 2008 3:45 PM:
" I was extemely happy to see Charlie Harms finally get his walking papers. I commend the physicians for standing up and doing what is right for the community. However, it should not end there. All of the Nursing Vice Presidents should be the next to go. They are a toxic, power hungry group and an absolute disgrace to the nursing profession. "
MJ Heiser wrote on Sep 27, 2008 2:38 PM:
" The County Commissioners and the Board should do audit of the staffing; their salaries, and where they live. The top management all make $175,000+ including the CEO, CFO, CIO, CNO, CMO..on and on. How many moved here to make extreme amounts of money? "
frustrated wrote on Sep 27, 2008 2:38 PM:
" To the person who says nurses get 35$ and hour to be on call we get $3.00 to be on call. Nurses put up with screaming dr,families and then can't take a break for 12 hours who else would work under these conditions. We get told if we don't like it leave you are replaceable. There are way to many chiefs and not enough indians. The public is very misconstrued over nurses salaries and benefits we sacrifice family time so that we can be abused and treated like second class citizens to take care of your family. we give up holidays and weekends for this treatment. "
Betty Jo wrote on Sep 27, 2008 2:13 PM:
" So now do we get to vote where the hospital gets to be driveing out on Happy Jack is to far from town in winter time. Come on County commisioners get your head out where you can use it, and tell us something besides that your going to move some more houses for the parking lot. Tell us what is going to happen to the old hospital and the parking garage also all the Dr. there. Please don't put it on happy jack,I think of south side that would be nice where there is plenty of county and not penned in like now.. "
Nurses Unite wrote on Sep 27, 2008 10:22 AM:
" Now that Charlie is gone, the nurses at CRMC should unite and do what the doctors have done. Take a vote of "no confidence" in the remaining Administrative Team. Clean house, send them all packing to Colorado!Lets get the abuse out of CRMC! "
Its best Charlie is gone. wrote on Sep 27, 2008 10:16 AM:
" First, I think Charlie was hateful and controlling. The folks he brought with him were arrogant and supported him without question.
However, I have seen doctors in Wyoming and Colorado; never have I been treated rudely by a young doctor in Wyoming or any doctor in Colorado. But, I have been appalled by some of our older Wyoming doctors' behavior. Neither patients nor nurses are spared their sarcasm, swearing or temper tantrums.
We've solved part of the problem, now lets work on more ethical behavior with some of our doctors. "
However, I have seen doctors in Wyoming and Colorado; never have I been treated rudely by a young doctor in Wyoming or any doctor in Colorado. But, I have been appalled by some of our older Wyoming doctors' behavior. Neither patients nor nurses are spared their sarcasm, swearing or temper tantrums.
We've solved part of the problem, now lets work on more ethical behavior with some of our doctors. "
to Nurse Mary wrote on Sep 27, 2008 5:52 AM:
" Please do not forget about Karlene. Hopefully she will go with Charlie along with Terrie as they all belong someplace else. Pretty sad when people she is supposedly managing do not even know whe some of these people are. They all acted like they were "too good" to even acknowledge staff and have run that place into the ground. If you were not a VP or upper level manager, they did not want to hear what you had to say. "
Jamie Nurse wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:57 PM:
" Thank God Charlie has resigned!!! I couldn't be happier. But what happens now. We still have a team of mean spirited, abusive VPS and Executive VPS to put up with. How do we get these people out? And then we need to clean up the incompetent Board of Directors. They are the ones that hired Charlie, knowing that he was asked to leave McKee. I can only imagine what they will pick. "
Still a Cowboy at Heart wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:11 PM:
" I worked at UMC and still have many fond memories of the wonderful people of Wyoming and especially many of the staff and physicians with whom I waded through blood, sweat, tears and shared dreams. Life takes many unexpected twists and turns, and one has obviously now presented itself. We always proudly called upon one antoher to "Cowboy up!" Although my life has taken me to another geographic location, I'm with you in spirit and know that you will indeed "Cowboy up" and move in the right direction. Look to one another for the ideas, the resolve and the strength to move ahead. I've been there with you and know that the talent, the skills and the drive to do great things is right there in Cheyenne. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
Time to Party wrote on Sep 26, 2008 4:21 PM:
" Well people of Cheyenne, you spoke LOUD and the voices heard.
Charlie Harms has resigned/or got fired
Good job people of Cheyenne. "
Charlie Harms has resigned/or got fired
Good job people of Cheyenne. "
Complainers wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:49 PM:
" I see you all complaining about Colorada'ns and yet you go to Colorado for services. What happened to supporting your own state. Quit complaining about the differences and support Wyoming. "
Edward Male Nurse wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:47 PM:
" I only hope that Charlie Harms actually leaves CRMC. Only then can we begin to heal and maybe some of the 40% nurses that have recently left will come back.
Rumow is that he has resigned today. I pray this is true. He is the most evil man I have ever met. He is unethical, abusive, and immoral. Most nurses have a hard time even looking at him. It doesn't matter though because he never looks at or says hello to the staff. Before he came to CRMC, managers always worked with the staff to improve patient care. He has gotten rid of all of those managers and created an empire of Vice Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents. They are his buffer. Whenever someone comes after him, he offers one up as a sacrifice. Then he remains unscathed. What evil. Bye Charlie, so long, farewell, auf wiedersehn!!!! Don't let the border hit you in the rear. "
Rumow is that he has resigned today. I pray this is true. He is the most evil man I have ever met. He is unethical, abusive, and immoral. Most nurses have a hard time even looking at him. It doesn't matter though because he never looks at or says hello to the staff. Before he came to CRMC, managers always worked with the staff to improve patient care. He has gotten rid of all of those managers and created an empire of Vice Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents. They are his buffer. Whenever someone comes after him, he offers one up as a sacrifice. Then he remains unscathed. What evil. Bye Charlie, so long, farewell, auf wiedersehn!!!! Don't let the border hit you in the rear. "
Nurse Mary wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:32 PM:
" Charlie is not the only person that needs to go. All of the Colorado gang of VPS and Executive VPS that have replaced hard working Wyomingites, including the new Executive VP of Clinical Services, need to go. They are all bullies and egomaniacs. Nurses are leaving in great numbers out of fear. They are tired and just want to go somewhere they will be appreciated. I worked at CRMC for 14 years. I have left and sadly, will never return as long as Charlie and Terri are there. They are ruining that hospital. Why is it that the turnover rate for nursing has jumped from 14% to almost 40% in the past 2 years? Bye Charlie, and don't forget to take your Colorado cronies with you! "
Physicians wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:05 PM:
" I know when I worked at CRMC some of the doctors were terrible. Their behavior towards staff was horrendous, they would throw temper tantrums, which included foul language and throwing their instruments during surgeries. Cheyenne DOES NOT need doctors like that. On the other hand, I know a lot of long-term, excellent employees have left due to Charlie Harms administration. The politics at the hospital is horrible, as I'm sure any honest employee, associate, physician, vendor would attest to... Physicians should act like professionals and so should the administration for the good of the community. "
Trish wrote on Sep 26, 2008 3:00 PM:
" Mr. Harms spent 17 years destroying McKee Medical Center. I personally know people who work there then and now they love it. Why? Because he is gone and the hospital is healing. Unfortunately, when Charlie left there (not under good circumstances-look it up) he brought with him all of the toxic personnel that were being protected by him in the Banner system. And now, surprise, they are all working at CRMC. He has established a team of Colorado henchmen and women and slowly and systematimatically he has eliminated all of the great and loyal Wyoming employees and leaders. He has lied to the Board, the county commisioners, and the WTE. He is a toxic, abusive and unethical CEO. He needs to go so that CRMC can begin to heal.
Sorry Charlie! "
Sorry Charlie! "
Suzanne wrote on Sep 26, 2008 2:32 PM:
" Charlie Harms has been at CRMC for over 5 years. In that time we have watched as he has had excellent nurses and leaders escorted out after they had suffered abuse and fear from him. He is a control freak, a dictator, and the hospital has suffered. The nurses have suffered, the patients have suffered, and now the doctors are suffering.
Charlie's answer to these problems: add another layer of leadership. And get that leadership from Banner in Colorado. Certainly they know more then anyone in Wyoming. Someone mentioned the "culture change". Yes, the culture is now divided- one is Wyoming pride and the other is negative, dictatorial Colorado hatred.
The truth hurts and here it is; Charlie has ruined CRMC. So many wonderful people have left. Patient, employee, and physician satisfaction is at its lowest. Employees are afraid for their jobs and morale is in the toilet. The Board has been lied to on multiple occasions by Mr. Harms. They only know what they are told. Mr. Harms is an unethical and abusive CEO. Just ask the staff that put up with him for 17 years at McKee. They are sooo happy that he is finally gone. "
Charlie's answer to these problems: add another layer of leadership. And get that leadership from Banner in Colorado. Certainly they know more then anyone in Wyoming. Someone mentioned the "culture change". Yes, the culture is now divided- one is Wyoming pride and the other is negative, dictatorial Colorado hatred.
The truth hurts and here it is; Charlie has ruined CRMC. So many wonderful people have left. Patient, employee, and physician satisfaction is at its lowest. Employees are afraid for their jobs and morale is in the toilet. The Board has been lied to on multiple occasions by Mr. Harms. They only know what they are told. Mr. Harms is an unethical and abusive CEO. Just ask the staff that put up with him for 17 years at McKee. They are sooo happy that he is finally gone. "
The truth... wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:33 PM:
" Well, the truth is he didn't resign on his own, he did it because he was given a choice--resign or be asked to leave. Happy trails Charlie and maybe now we can get our hospital and staff back on track. God forbid you go to work anywhere else, but if you do perhaps you should listen to your staff, and actually consider their opinions valuable and act upon their suggestions rather than ignore them. Perhaps you will take into consideration that you can not be successful unless you actually support the people in the trenches rather than treat them poorly. And remember, covering up your dirty laundry will only make it smell worse when it's discovered. Thanks for the positive things you did and best wishes...not. "
HA HA HA wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:33 PM:
" It's OFFICIAL!!! Charlie Harms More Than He Helps RESIGNED THIS MORNING!!!!! "
Are you kidding wrote on Sep 26, 2008 11:36 AM:
" Lets get this straight, the hospital has more complaints to the governmental organization that licenses hospitals than any on the Front Range and the board of the hospital doesn't reveal the problem or hold the CEO accountable? This sounds scandalous. How can the ignore a problem of this magnitude. The community has not been told because it was covered up...and where are the county commissioners on the issue. Perhaps they should consider recruiting a new board or addressing the problem directly. The present solution to ignore the problem with the leadership just doesn't solve anything. We have a dangerous hospital because of that and they don't seem to care. Yes, BALANCE, the complaints focused on the hospital, NOT the physicians. Wake up and be informed. This can NOT be ignored. PERIOD "
TO THEY NEED HELP wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:17 AM:
" I have the same problem and I wrote the newspaper and they gave a lame excuse about blogs being stolen. I suggested using a different letter/number choice , since you get something that looks like a 1 and it can either be a 1 or an l(L). You dont know until you try repeatedly. No matter which you choose, it is wrong.Therefore you keep trying until you get one that does not have that 1 or l. Not to mention the lines and such behind the numbers, which make it hard at times to see. After I sent in my last suggestion to WTE, I got no reply back. Dont expect change or for it to get better, it wont happen. "
Everybody wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:53 AM:
" Everybody is blameing the other guy the American way . When actually it is Dr? Beers fault he started it Now he needs to Finish it by resigning we don't need these type of Doctors gimmie the the money get out of here alot of them everywhere though. "
Balance wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:19 AM:
" To Out of Town Traveler: Yes, CRMC has its problems, but I'd rather not have an organization with the history of HCA, teach us anything about healthcare. Thankyou very much "
Balance wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:16 AM:
" Let us be be very clear abt some of these issues. The quality of care issues have existed @ CRMC long before Mr. Harms came here. It takes 5-7 years to effect a culture change. I suspect it will take 10 years given the issues & entrenchment. Only recently was Mr. Harms able to complete an administrative team devoid of the good ol'boys. Mr. Harms is responsible for effecting that change, but he needs the physicians to lead and set the example. In many cases, the example the physicians demonstrate is immature, self-centered temper tantrums. If the physicians are so good, why did they take over 1/2 the RFIs from the JC and twice as many as nursing and clinical services. I am grateful for the leadership and maturity demonstrated by Dr. Lind, not to mention his patriotism. Drs Torkelson, Beer and Parnell could learn much from this man. My appreciation to the Board & Mr. Harms for having a broader picture and being more visionary than many of the physicians. A lesser man than Mr. Harms would have chucked it all,declaring CRMC not worth it because of physicians. "
Out of Town Traveler wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:50 AM:
" I am not from Cheyenne and have nothing at stake in this fight but never in my life have I heard more negative comments about a hospital than I have about Cheyenne Regional. I know people in Douglas who drive to Ft. Collins for healthcare. The problem isn't administration or Doctors it is both! I think HCA should build a hospital in this city and take you to school on how things should be ran. "
GWR wrote on Sep 25, 2008 11:59 PM:
" The hospital as a whole does not function. It can't function without a firm foundation i.e. the board of directors. There is no bandaid for what years of what mismanagement has done to pacate the public into continuing to compromise patient health. The board of directors needs to be disolved to start with and the whole program needs to be re-built from the ground up. Possible a new building needs to be considered. We have the "Big Hole", we NEED a hospital wether it's just re-managed to start with or it completely re-built, far more than we need a "skywalk",the Taco Bell Center, etc.. Until this happens? It's a frightening place. Its a last resort, to be stabilized and then transported to a comprehensive care facility. "
They need help there bad wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:17 PM:
" Was that really good boy Charlie that turned down the free 80+ acres from the Lummis Ranch ?? We would like to know WHY, as it is a hell of alot better location and streets, easy to drive to than happy jack road as it is a speed track. They have messed up to many peoples lives buying houses,where as that is all vacated land. Please do not consider no more places GO SOUTH TO THE FREE LAND STUPID.Lets hear more about all this $$$
going to waste,let the people vote on it it is our money as tax payers.Also why do I have a hard time to enter my comments??
I have entered this one 4 times!! "
going to waste,let the people vote on it it is our money as tax payers.Also why do I have a hard time to enter my comments??
I have entered this one 4 times!! "
Finally wrote on Sep 25, 2008 7:34 PM:
" It's about time someone spoke up about what's going on at the hospital. I've been there almost 10 years, and it was good up until the time when Charlie Harms got hired. I'm trying to figure out exactly what good has came about, and honestly, I can not think of anything at the moment. So much has changed and so many people have left, it's sad to think about. We have lost an enormous amount of great help, great talent, and great employees over these last two years. I feel as though, it's going to get worse, before it gets better. This has nothing to do with WinHealth, egos and so on. I applaud the doctors for what they are doing, and I stand behind them 100%. Way to go you guys, you have my up most support. "
disappointed wrote on Sep 25, 2008 5:50 PM:
" It is sad to see this type of article and comments being aired by folks that have no clue about the real situation. There are always two sides to every story. I know nothing about the goings on at CRMC nor will I tempt to speak like I do. I do know though that good hospital CEO's are very hard to find and that Charlie Harms is one of them. He built McKee Medical Center into the outstanding facility it is today. Will removing Charlie Harms really solve the problem or is there something much deeper underlying all of this? I feel sorry for any community leader in Cheyenne that has to work in a city with so much negativity, dislike, and hatred among people. I would imagine that these comments come from a very vocal minority which is usually the case in situations like these. The grass may not be greener on the other side with a new CEO. "
You are all crack heads wrote on Sep 25, 2008 4:17 PM:
" Okay now . . . how exactly are IMG and CMS involved? First people blamed winhealth now IMG and CMS? Seriously guys, who is posting all of the negative stuff about the practices and winhealth? Those practices work well with CRMC as does winhealth. It sounds like somebody's got an axe to grind -- or blame to shift elsewhere. Get a grip people! This kind of stuff happens all of the time all over the US and this is not a new thing. "
Former CRMC Employee wrote on Sep 25, 2008 4:14 PM:
" All I can say is, it's about time! If it weren't for Mr. Harms and the terrible upper management at the hospital, I never would have left. Maybe when he's gone it will be a decent place to work once again. "
former employee wrote on Sep 25, 2008 1:38 PM:
" To all how may agree or disagree... as a former employee of 6 years at "UMC" I have seen a lot of great people come and go. I have also seen a lot of horrable people come and stay.
My thought on this hole subject is that when Charlie came aboard he had a 5 year plan. This plan consisted of getting rid of the old UMC employees to start. Then start to drop patient satification down over the next few year. Get a few warning for bad care and then get the place in such a state that they will need to get bailed out from another hospital. BANNER HEALTH. With a poor repore with the county, BANNER will come in and buy out our county ran hospital and turn it into a for profit hospital only to serve the fat headed money hungry mongrals from Banner health. So instead or a hundred million dollar buy out they can get it for less then half that or more. The IRS needs to audit good old Charlie Harms and see of he is getting another paycheck from BANNER.
MAKES YOU KIND OF WONDER HMMMMMMMM "
My thought on this hole subject is that when Charlie came aboard he had a 5 year plan. This plan consisted of getting rid of the old UMC employees to start. Then start to drop patient satification down over the next few year. Get a few warning for bad care and then get the place in such a state that they will need to get bailed out from another hospital. BANNER HEALTH. With a poor repore with the county, BANNER will come in and buy out our county ran hospital and turn it into a for profit hospital only to serve the fat headed money hungry mongrals from Banner health. So instead or a hundred million dollar buy out they can get it for less then half that or more. The IRS needs to audit good old Charlie Harms and see of he is getting another paycheck from BANNER.
MAKES YOU KIND OF WONDER HMMMMMMMM "
Concerned wrote on Sep 25, 2008 1:09 PM:
" ...as a former employee, I have to admit that I'm not surprised that there is a tremendous amount of conflict on this issue. I'm still undecided on who is at "fault." I do know that my family has received excellent care at CRMC. I have found the doctors, nurses, and employees friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. However, the addition of multiple layers of management and the purge of long-time employees is troubling. And of course the physician (dis)satisfaction is also troubling. I'm less concered about placing blame on the current situation than I am about figuring out a way to resolve these issues. I loved my time working at CRMC, and thought that I would return someday, but now I'm not so sure. Does anyone have some realistic suggestions out there that don't involve further "purges"? "
The truth... wrote on Sep 25, 2008 12:02 PM:
" CRMC had more complaints to the government agency that licenses hospitals than any hospital in the western United States. The number of complaints a hospital in Wyoming typically has is 2 or less. CRMC had over 5 times more. Did you see that in the news? No. Was anyone made aware there was even a problem? No. Who knew and failed to tell? Mr Harms. Lets hope the board of the hospital that knows that information considers it relevant and acts appropriately when the physicians' recommendations are considered. Lets hope they see to it that the next CEO is held accountable and makes addressing such potentially critical issues a priority. Lets hope communicating that sort of information beyond all else is a priority. For the sake of medical care at CRMC lets demand that covering up such information be a crime which we as a community will not tolerate. Lets focus on making care and our facility better. I hope the board considers this to be of paramount importance and not something which can be swept under the rug as Mr Harms did. "
Face it wrote on Sep 25, 2008 10:06 AM:
" The truth is that CRMC needs change. The current administration has held meetings about meetings to discuss how meetings can be improved. And none of the necessary changes are made by this method. I agree with the person who said there are too many chiefs and not enough indians. Hooray for the doctors recognizing that above all, things are NOT WORKING. And while each individual opinion on this page doesn't matter, they allowed for the community to be informed that CRMC is having problems that need to be resolved before patient care is affected (or becomes worse than it already is). I hope whatever happens CRMC becomes a better hospital for the sake of our community which includes you, me, and those close to us. "
Lynda wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:35 AM:
" Has anyone ever taken a look at the doctors that practice in that hospital,maybe the real problem is the doctors. I lost my husband as a result of poor care made a valid complaint to Dr. Lucas and crew and so far nothing. Why don't they just close the doors there and open up a hospital on the Colorado side. We'd all be better off "
Big Dog wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:07 AM:
" Some of you have it backwards, I think. Hospital administrators are expendable. Quality physicians who will practice in a small town in Wyoming are not.
I recently had surgery at CRMC and Dr. Beer was my physician. He is the only doctor I would allow to come near me with a sharp instrument. Cheyenne and the surrounding area CANNOT afford to loose ANY physicians, let alone one of the top neurosurgeons in the U.S.! Read through all these comments and I think you'll see that CRMC staff is saying that Harm's and his Colorado cronies are the problem. Get rid of the overabundance of middle and upper management and hire more nurses, doctors and support staff and see how our hospital looks then! "
I recently had surgery at CRMC and Dr. Beer was my physician. He is the only doctor I would allow to come near me with a sharp instrument. Cheyenne and the surrounding area CANNOT afford to loose ANY physicians, let alone one of the top neurosurgeons in the U.S.! Read through all these comments and I think you'll see that CRMC staff is saying that Harm's and his Colorado cronies are the problem. Get rid of the overabundance of middle and upper management and hire more nurses, doctors and support staff and see how our hospital looks then! "
Charlie wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:59 AM:
" Get your facts straight before you comment. Harms didn't inherit these problems 2 years ago. He helped caused them when he started as CEO in January 2004, almost 5 years ago. "
Employee wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:39 AM:
" Mr Harms has been here 5 years. Our hospital has become an unfriendly, impersonal place to work. There are more people telling employees what to do then there are employees actually working. The staff at this hospital in general hate to come to work everyday. The doctors have stood up because a survey indicated a majority were unhappy. I can tell you that a majority of the workers are unhappy and it is not because of the doctors--it's because of the way we are treated by our bosses--poorly! We have one of the highest turnover rates of employees of any business in this town and more than any hospital on the front range. We have always lost good people to Colorado and now they are leaving in droves. For this to stop we need change. The current hospital leaders have known we and the doctors want things better and have failed to address ANYTHING. We need change and we need it NOW. Please lets make this hospital a better place for everyone...see you later Mr Harms. "
watchful bystander wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:36 AM:
" In my 20 years of employment in medical management, I have observed the hiring & firing practices during Harms years of management at the hospital and it has been very disturbing. I could not believe that the Board would continue to allow Harms to (re-organize) but than bring in all Colorado management making more money with less experience then the managers he fired. The Human Resources Department often will not even consider a Cheyenne resume of Master's level education only to be replaced with another COLORADO resident. SEND HIM BACK TO COLORADO. Alot of these past hospital managers had 10, 15 and 20+ yrs experience. I am sure they were quite willing to adapt to what Harms wanted but weren't of the right demographical area, right? Harms you have devastasted many Wyoming families...I hope you can sleep at night. "
Looking forJob wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:02 AM:
" Charlie has destroyed any trust with the management team at CRMC and in doing so has ruined any feelings of loyalty between management and staff. You have the directors and nurse managers who are afraid for there jobs looking to fire anybody they do not like/want just to make it appear they are doing there job trying to stay and look productive to charlie.
Why is it so many good nurses have left & why is it departments like the ED have been having such turnover .
Nobody can trust anybody from the management team and know they will stab em in the back to look good and if it makes the management team look good. "
Why is it so many good nurses have left & why is it departments like the ED have been having such turnover .
Nobody can trust anybody from the management team and know they will stab em in the back to look good and if it makes the management team look good. "
It is widespread wrote on Sep 25, 2008 6:19 AM:
" Take a look at the clinics - IMG, CMS for example! 3 CEOs in two years (IMG) and all of the experienced, skilled staff escorted out - much like the hospital mentality -it is a plague! Money is the key word, managers, CEOs, all are in their positions to make the most money, quality has gone out the door and is no longer valued by the hospitals, physicians and clinics. Unexperienced, newcomers are being put in place of skill and experience because they will work for 1/2 the cost. More money, less overhead - doctors are happy as all they see is more revenue, until the consequences bite them in the behind...and they will! It is only a matter of time! "
Shelly wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:46 PM:
" Why don't Charlie take doctor James C. Dobson with him?
Cheyenne would be a better place since he likes to "repremand" children oh ya, and what about those to Dr's that filed assault charges against him in York NE "
Cheyenne would be a better place since he likes to "repremand" children oh ya, and what about those to Dr's that filed assault charges against him in York NE "
PatriotWarriorAncestors wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:33 PM:
" We have more than enough Doctors for our population in Cheyenne. We just don't have enough good Doctors. Two years is not enough time to remedy the problems this CEO obviously inherited. Do not turn the hospital over to these carpetbaggers. If Doctors don't play well with others, fire them. No persons need tolerate them. "
FED UP EMPLOYEE wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:44 PM:
" WAY TO GO DR B & P FOR STANDING UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT. DR. P WONDERED WHAT ALL THE SR. VP'S, VP'S, DIRECTORS, ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS ARE DOING?
WELL IF YOU DR'S REALLY CARED ABOUT PATIENT CARE YOU WOULD ALSO WANT THE STAFF THAT YOU WORK WITH TREATED WITH RESPECT AND FAIRNESS SO THAT THEY COULD HELP YOU IN DIRECT/NON PATIENT CARE, OR BILLING YOUR CHARGES, MAINTAING THE FACILITY, COOKING, CLEANING OR VOLUNTEERING AT OUR HOSPITAL. THE DOC'S SHOULD INVESTIGATE ALL OF THE RESCENT TURN OVER DUE TO THE LACK OF RESPECT, THREATS AND DEMEANING TREATMENT THAT ALL THE "TOO MANY CHIEFS" ARE DISHING OUT. IN MY DEPARTMENT ALONE 6 LONGTERM,EXPERIENCED,LOYAL EMPLOYEES HAVE QUIT DUE TO THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR. 15-20YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE WALKED OUT THE DOOR WITH NO ONE CARRYING TO STOP THEM OR GET RID OF THE PROBLEM DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. MR HARMS HIREING ALL HIS PALS FROM COLORADO HAS GONE FAR ENOUGH. DRIVING 35-40 MILES TO GREELEY OR FT COLLINS FOR DECENT HEALTHCARE, EMPLOYMENT, WAGES DOES NOT SEEM SO BAD.HUMAN RESOURSES IS A JOKE. "
WELL IF YOU DR'S REALLY CARED ABOUT PATIENT CARE YOU WOULD ALSO WANT THE STAFF THAT YOU WORK WITH TREATED WITH RESPECT AND FAIRNESS SO THAT THEY COULD HELP YOU IN DIRECT/NON PATIENT CARE, OR BILLING YOUR CHARGES, MAINTAING THE FACILITY, COOKING, CLEANING OR VOLUNTEERING AT OUR HOSPITAL. THE DOC'S SHOULD INVESTIGATE ALL OF THE RESCENT TURN OVER DUE TO THE LACK OF RESPECT, THREATS AND DEMEANING TREATMENT THAT ALL THE "TOO MANY CHIEFS" ARE DISHING OUT. IN MY DEPARTMENT ALONE 6 LONGTERM,EXPERIENCED,LOYAL EMPLOYEES HAVE QUIT DUE TO THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR. 15-20YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE WALKED OUT THE DOOR WITH NO ONE CARRYING TO STOP THEM OR GET RID OF THE PROBLEM DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. MR HARMS HIREING ALL HIS PALS FROM COLORADO HAS GONE FAR ENOUGH. DRIVING 35-40 MILES TO GREELEY OR FT COLLINS FOR DECENT HEALTHCARE, EMPLOYMENT, WAGES DOES NOT SEEM SO BAD.HUMAN RESOURSES IS A JOKE. "
The real issue wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:04 PM:
" Please Cheyenne this is serious stuff here it is not about who makes the most money it is about retaining good staff to provide the kind of care we as Cheyenne residents deserve. This can not happen as long as CRMC is allowed to bully the staff, and keep Cheyenne in the dark about what is really going on behind closed doors. To the doctors I APPLAUD you for standing up for what is right. Charlie and Co it is time to say good bye "
wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:40 PM:
" Why did an article about a group of doctors asking for Charlie Harms resignation turn into a bashing session against winhealth and Dr. Beer. This is not the issue. Dr. Beer is only one of many doctors who voted for this. Why do you think certain people joined the board in the last couple of years. Their goal was to get Charlie Harms out back then and it has not happened so the doctors finally joined forces and are trying to make it happen. All I can say is it really needs to happen. And he needs to take all of his recently hired Greenie friends with him. Cut the # of managers by 50% and it would be back to a semi-normal # of managers. I would have to vote with the doctors. Thank you Dr. Beer for standing up and being on the medical board "
Current Front Line Nurse wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:31 PM:
" As a front line nurse at CRMC, I would like to enlighten a few of you. First of all, CRMC is beginning to hold staff1 accountable. Staff who call in sick or leave other staff short handed on the floor to go smoke are being dealt with. These people aren’t happy, because they are no longer permitted to dump on their co-workers. I personally appreciate this change. Secondly, CRMC was so behind the times 5 years ago, it was like walking into the past. This Community is so lucky to have the technology it currently has. Some old Physicians think it was better 5 or 10 years ago. This isn’t the prairie anymore. We like having access to the same technology as Colorado. Third, we have some excellent physicians and some physicians that just need to go away. Physicians are a part of the staff dissatisfaction. Many of us are afraid to call these physicians because they are abusive and don’t respond to patient needs. As for staffing, we are improving everyday but this is Cheyenne so it is hard to recruit both physicians and nurses. The nursing ratio is now 1:4 or 5. These are great ratios. Under the "
nurses wrote on Sep 24, 2008 6:17 PM:
" Maybe one should look at nursing it seems that many of the experienced nurses are being escorted out or reorganization is leaving them out..Who will mentor the new nurses?? "
Art wrote on Sep 24, 2008 5:31 PM:
" C'mon, doctors and hospitals don't make money off of winnhealth ....PLEASE! they make money they have an agreement to not make as much as they would like to, but they do make money.. and to the "nurse" you have got to be joking ... you only make what$35.00 dollars a day or $35.00 dollars an hour..the truth is America has a problem with greed. Look at the people who are crying about their mortgages. SWince when does it become my problem when they default on a loan that they took from a bank and now the balloon payments are starting to hit them hard. Suck it up! Pay your bills like the rest of Americans. I wikll continue to get my health care where it is cheapest on my pocket and the care is better, Colorado. "
Get an Education if you want more wrote on Sep 24, 2008 4:58 PM:
" I see there is a tremedous amount of jealousy around here. If you were a Dr. that went to school worked your butt off to become a highly skilled Dr. and paid a great amount in college tuition wouldn't you feel that your worth at least $1500.00 per day. This is America and you can be what you want to be. You coudld certainly do the same. I also believe the Dr. are also trying to increase the wages of the support staff that is putting them all down. Biting off the hand that is trying to feed you! Charlie sure hasn't done that for you! "
Balance wrote on Sep 24, 2008 4:52 PM:
" There is no question, there is room for improvement at CRMC, like there is at any organization. Having been through 3 CEOs @ CRMC, in my tenure, Mr. Harms is the first to provide direction and vision. As far as the physicians go, some of their points are valid, but if they want to have improvements, they need to be part of it and to have a better suggestion than eliminating Mr. Harms. While the physicians would like you to think they are not part of the problem, it is apparent they are as evidenced by: many of them refusing to follow the National Patient Safety Goals, their patients infection rates and their patients return to surgery rate, among other things. For Dr. Beer to bring up the Casper neurosurgeons, demonstrates his ignorance and bias. The new neurosurgical hospital in Casper in currently experiencing financial disaster and those neurosurgeons burnt their bridge @ WMC. Have they burnt it @ CRMC? That remains to be seen. There is no physician who is not expendable, any more than any nurse is not expendable. Get out of your power & control mode and help. "
The issue here... wrote on Sep 24, 2008 3:36 PM:
" From the reading of the responses to the problem at CRMC it appears several people didn't even read the article. Dr Beer commented about what the physicians were concerned about at the meeting which was held by all of the doctors. I did not read where any comments were necessarily his specific concerns. Several of the comments, here, however, seem to refer to this as his opinion alone. The fact of the matter is that the physicians in the community, not just 1 or 2, but the MAJORITY feel the hospital is not being managed appropriately for our community. They physicians stood up and voted to change the way things are done; to make it better. The issues here is not about Dr Beer. The issue is that the doctors and from what is written here, many people are unhappy with CRMC. Shouldn't we focus on the issue and try to make this place better? I believe the hospital CEO had a chance to improve things after the survey which was done 2 years ago and the current results indicated he blew it. Time for a change--now! "
To Fan of BCBS wrote on Sep 24, 2008 3:34 PM:
" That same stay would have cost you a max of $300 on CRMC's current WINhealth plan. I can see why you'd love BCBS so much. "
Beer wrote on Sep 24, 2008 3:05 PM:
" I am wondering if all the nasty messages about Beer are from Harms. Ha ha. But honestly, change is needed at CRMC as being evident of a 3% acceptance rating by hospital employees about Harms. Hmm, someone is not doing their job and it is not Beer as previous comment alluded to. Harms had two years to improve from the 13% acceptance rating from last survey, and now it is down 10 points. Sounds like he wasn't making any changes. Sounds like he wasnt doing his job. Why should he get paid for not doing his job? Harms needs to leave without a fight and let another more qualified and motivated board member to take over. "
Harms Must Go wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:54 PM:
" Harms had two years to make changes to CRMC when the hospital rated 13% in an acceptance rating. And it has recently been rated down 10 points to 3%...and we should keep him around why? If he was voted out then one can easily assume that he wasn't and hasn't been doing his job for at least 2 years, right? It is time for change and therefore time for Harms to leave. He has had his time and failed to make any improvements. Are the comments about Beer from Harms???? Ha! "
Annoyed Nurse wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:42 PM:
" FYI nurse, I am quite sure your nursing degree (probably only ADN) cost you a mere $5000 and two years out of your life, while Dr Beer's education took him 7 just for residency, plus 8 of undergrad and med school (total of 15 years btw) costing him over $200,000. I think he deserves to get paid to be on call, if not MORE than the presumed amount. Hey, isn't he the one out there trying to help implement changes at CRMC...and what are you doing? Hmm. Maybe you shouldnt be making any comments at all. "
Former Nurse employee wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:40 PM:
" Dr. Beer and other docs who support his ideas, sound like whiners. The majority of Doc's at CRMC treat nursing staff the
same or worse, than their complaints against management.
CRMC had the attitude that nurses are expendable. Giving Doc's what they want whenever one of them wimpers.
Now it sounds like Mr. Harms is tryiing to level the playing field a little. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND MR. BEER !!!
Some Doc's want to install a patsy so they can continue trashing the hospital staff. Trying to ignore regulations imposed by outside regulatory agencies. Putting all
responsibility on the hospital to maintain legal standards and enough quality staff to cater to doctor's whims.
I'm surprised there are still enough people in this city to staff the hospital. Just take a look at employee turnover rates. They're 3x the number they should be for a facility of
comparable size. Much of the turnover is directly related to poor Physician / employee relationship.
My finger points at the GOOD OLD BOY -- DOCTORS CLUB. "
same or worse, than their complaints against management.
CRMC had the attitude that nurses are expendable. Giving Doc's what they want whenever one of them wimpers.
Now it sounds like Mr. Harms is tryiing to level the playing field a little. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND MR. BEER !!!
Some Doc's want to install a patsy so they can continue trashing the hospital staff. Trying to ignore regulations imposed by outside regulatory agencies. Putting all
responsibility on the hospital to maintain legal standards and enough quality staff to cater to doctor's whims.
I'm surprised there are still enough people in this city to staff the hospital. Just take a look at employee turnover rates. They're 3x the number they should be for a facility of
comparable size. Much of the turnover is directly related to poor Physician / employee relationship.
My finger points at the GOOD OLD BOY -- DOCTORS CLUB. "
Employee wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:37 PM:
" I will tell you that I do not believe that Charlie is the only problem the problem is wayyyy to many chiefs. We have more managers then we do staff. Okay maybe an exaggeration, but I myself answer to 5 people. That is ridiculous. The dress code, the smoking rules, the parking, the intimidation and the threats. I believe that there are less rules in the half way house downtown then there are here. Morale is down and something needs to happen. "
same ol stuff wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:55 PM:
" Morale is poor. As a result staffing is poor, and constantly changing. Finally, this leads to poor patient care. Lack of leadership is only a portion of the problem. Cheyenne needs more facilities. The lack of resources in Cheyenne has the public bombarding the hospital with unneccessary hospitals ER visits and admits. The staff is overworked - doctors, nursing, housekeeping, and everything inbetween. I don't think one man or woman can change this by themselves. No, I don't think Charlie is doing a good job. But I don't know if anybody can. The Laramie County public should take some of the blame. And change here is slow or non existant. "
Former Pt. wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:33 PM:
" As a former patient, I am happy that I had some of te best Dr.s in the area for my care. As it was a workmans comp case, I would not have had much choice of going to Colorado. These guys go to school for a long time and are experts in there fields. Sounds like there are a few not happy with Beer's practice habits, but he's been doing it longer than most of us and I certianly trust him. It is possible you just didn't like his answer, or the treatment you were told would be best for you. In any case, it would appear we have 2 choices, get rid of a few in management, or most of our Dr's. We are Dr. short now, and even though it is roumored Harms will get in the area of $700 thou for leaving, it will still be cheaper than finding Dr. replacements. And I don't want to start traveling to Colorado for health care. "
SLP wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:29 PM:
" Change is always scary but sometimes necessary. Changes need to be made to better our patient care. We are lucky to have the doctors in our community that we have. Too many cheifs and not enough indians. And to the nurse who only gets paid $35.00 to be on call I would suggest you go back school for another 8 years and add about another hundred and fifty thousand dollars in in school loans. Our doctors don't pocket all of the money they also have alot of expenses, such as malpractice insurance it which I'm sure you don't pay. And to the hardworking stiff I bet you would'nt think this way if you or one of your family members needed emergent care from a neurosurgeon and you had to drive to Ft Collins to get it that extra 40 miles might mean life or death. If we don't keep good doctors here we just might all be traveling to Colorado for our health care needs and emergencys. "
Winn Health NOT wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:16 PM:
" Please do not spread lies about WinHealth grand plan being affordable health plans. It's not about affordable health plans. WinHealth is not more affordable than GreatWest, the Blues or United Health Plans and in many cases cost more. WinHealth was created to stop HMO from coming to Cheyenne and Wyoming. The HMOs never came to Cheyenne and a crappy health plan was born. The hospital is tired of giving WinHealth millions of dollars a year to keep it afloat. If WinHealth is so great and wonderful let it stand on its own. Problem is it can not. The brain child of a few old doctors (that need to retire) should die a natural death. Believe me, almost any health plan is better than WinHealh... Funny thing the hospital owns 50% of WinHealth and wants to kill it. That should tell you lots. "
Just another employee wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:43 PM:
" you are wondering what Winhealth has to do with this? Well CRMC is considering dropping Winhealth as its' insurance, the doctors have bought into Winhealth which keeps its insured in cheyenne. Get rid of Charlie Harms, no changing of insurance company, keep insured going to the same "in network" Doctors. Get it!! I think Mr. Harms has a good vision of where to take the hospital, but the overload of VPs is ridiculous. There are some good ones, and there are some really bad ones. What is so concerning to me is that all the upper management that was from Wyoming have been fired, and replaced with Colorado people. So does that mean that there are no Wyoming administrative people smart enough to do the jobs? "
Winn Health wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:25 PM:
" I believe no one understands that neither doctors or the hospital make money from Winn Health. Actually, the doctors and hospital agree to take less money for services so a more affordable health plan is available for the community. The plan actually costs both the hospital and doctors and benefits members of the plan. In this day and age where healthcare costs and health insurance are enormous we should be happy Winn health exists. Funny thing is Mr Harms is the one who wants it to go away. Hmmmm, an affordable plan for the community which costs the hospital money (or doesn't make as much as some of the others ???). I think the real concern here should be how can the most affordable quality care be available for Cheyenne. See you later Mr Harms! "
Are you kidding wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:18 PM:
" So if you told me i could not be more than 10 minutes from that hospital if I were on call all the money in the world would not be enough. Thank you Dr Beer and Cook for what you do. We are lucky to have you. "
Locke wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:18 PM:
" From reading the responses and the article it seems clear that Dr Beer should be the new CEO. With his demonstrated strong leadership in pulling together the physicians that work at the hospital and demonstrated communication capabilities how could you choose anyone else?
I am sure he can demonstrate how to improve the confidence of patient care in the hospital by releasing his outcome measurements. His high marks and his leading through example would deliver the needed confidence to patients to motivvate them to return to this hospital again.
Using his outcomes as benchmarks for other physicians, as CEO, he could assit them to achieve this high goal. As a leader I hope he releases his results soon.
Since leadership comes so naturally to Dr. Beer I am sure the entire medical staff appreciate his fight to get them the people and equipment they need to do their jobs. I for one would like to hear more about this.
We need to hear of examples from those providers that support him, of how he has improved their delivery of care and expanded the safety and quality of care at the hospital and into the community. "
I am sure he can demonstrate how to improve the confidence of patient care in the hospital by releasing his outcome measurements. His high marks and his leading through example would deliver the needed confidence to patients to motivvate them to return to this hospital again.
Using his outcomes as benchmarks for other physicians, as CEO, he could assit them to achieve this high goal. As a leader I hope he releases his results soon.
Since leadership comes so naturally to Dr. Beer I am sure the entire medical staff appreciate his fight to get them the people and equipment they need to do their jobs. I for one would like to hear more about this.
We need to hear of examples from those providers that support him, of how he has improved their delivery of care and expanded the safety and quality of care at the hospital and into the community. "
WyoRes wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:17 PM:
" Colorad'ns need to stay in Colorado. Wyoming has great Dr.'s, great people, and great respect for our surroundings. It's bad enough that we are so close to the boarder, but bringing in the forces come on. What forces. I Don't know Mr. Harms but it does not sound like he is well liked. Who hired him anyway. Was there not someone in the state of Wyoming we could have looked at? Grass is not always greener on the other side. There are highly educated people here too. In regards to the comment about Winhealt "sucks" take a look at who has helped keep the providers and business in Wyoming, studid. Enough said!!! "
Shortage... wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:16 PM:
" At this point there are one-third the number of neurosurgeons in the country that we need. It will take 20 years to remedy the shortage as there are not programs to train them. Consequently, neurosurgeons are paid to take call in communities--to take time out of their lives to be available when our family members need immediate care; when minutes matter. Typical pay to neurosurgeons ranges between 2000 and 5000 per day in other communities... Why dont we try to make the hospital here a place where we can keep this kind of care available rather than end up with no care at all? Clearly there are issues which should be resolved if doctors speak out as they have. I think we should all listen. "
frustrated wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:07 PM:
" so if the MD's want something different maybe they should be doing their job. when you don't see patients for days on end and no communication with them and you don't answer your pages, maybe there is a problem. there have been many times that the administration has tried to work wiht MD's and for teh most part, they don't respond. they need to do their part too! "
its about time wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:06 PM:
" Harm's and his henchmen need to go to many good employees have either been let go or found employment elsewhere and pt care is suffering "
Fan of BCBS wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:51 AM:
" I would imagine that CRMC’s employees no longer want Winhealth so they don’t have to receive services at their own facility! Obviously, BCBSWY is a much better choice for them. More freedom, high dollar deductibles, and 20% coinsurance of billed charges. With today’s booming economy and the recent unprecedented cost-effective healthcare reform, I presume the substantial increase in their out of pocket medical expenses is incidental. My recent inpatient stay at CRMC was billed at approximately $15,000.00. My coinsurance was only $3,000.00 before my deductible of $1,000.00 – so the entire thing only cost me $4,000.00. I just love my BCBSWY plan. "
Geez wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:47 AM:
" First of all, I'd like to point out that it's the "love" of money that is the root of all evil.
Right now, if you look at the relationship of CRMC employees and administration, you will find a very cold existance. There is a strong sense of distrust toward administration from many employees. When you see the cut-throat mentality while hiding behind the cloak of "patient care", it is sickening. I have seen many long term employees let go and kicked to the curb without as much as a raised eyebrow from administration. This cold and callous mindset is very evident to the CRMC workers. It's as though there are no morals left.
I don't know if the removal of Charlie is the answer, but a good evaluation of the administration and their values and ethics should top priority. "
Right now, if you look at the relationship of CRMC employees and administration, you will find a very cold existance. There is a strong sense of distrust toward administration from many employees. When you see the cut-throat mentality while hiding behind the cloak of "patient care", it is sickening. I have seen many long term employees let go and kicked to the curb without as much as a raised eyebrow from administration. This cold and callous mindset is very evident to the CRMC workers. It's as though there are no morals left.
I don't know if the removal of Charlie is the answer, but a good evaluation of the administration and their values and ethics should top priority. "
Hopeful wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:14 AM:
" I have great respect for the CRMC Medical Staff and for Charlie Harms. I have the great fortune of working with physicians on a daily basis. Change is hard for most people and people in this state and city are proud to do things “their way”. CRMC is a microcosm of the city in which it is contained. Mr. Harms has had to face a great deal of resistance in his tenure at CRMC from various directions. Mr. Harms has and will continue to make changes to CRMC to improve patient care now and into the future. I hope that everyone involved in this situation can find a way to resolve the issues presented and learn to communicate respectfully to one another. I believe that everyone at CRMC including the Medical Staff and Charlie Harms want what is best for patients and the community.
Is there a guarantee, that if a new CEO comes to CRMC, it will make things better for the patients, the Medical Staff, the CRMC staff, and the community? "
Is there a guarantee, that if a new CEO comes to CRMC, it will make things better for the patients, the Medical Staff, the CRMC staff, and the community? "
Core Stategies wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:34 AM:
" We as a whole hospital developed the core stratagies, that I wrote about earlier. At first they were great and worked, then a few of the upper crust became greedy and you know what the root of all evil is....yeap, money. Do I need to say more? Politics is an awful thing, be it in the presidential race or place of employement. I wish you all luck. "
Beer wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:05 AM:
" After hearing about some of the issues with Dr Beer, why isn't he asked to leave also?? you can't have a good hospital without good administration. And you can't have a good hospital without doctors who want to do the right thing for the patient. Dr Beer needs to wake up and realize that certain actions aren't acceptable!! "
confused wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:58 AM:
" all this time I thought I going to CRMC. Treated great, great food, everyone always smiling, even being greeted by Charlie in the hallway. Having read these posts I couldn't have been in the same place everyone is talking about. I'm a banker not an employee of CRMC btw. Charlie gets my vote for doing a good job. "
low moral wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:58 AM:
" Morale starts at the top. There is definitely something wrong when your CEO won't look you in the eye or say hello when he passes you in the halls. The same goes for all of the upper management. My department has 3 bosses, and is creating 3 more for a department of 60. 10% management? Is that really necessary? The management overload needs to stop! If it is not curtailed soon we will find a bus with the CRMC logo on it to bring all of the employees up from colorado so they can save on gas! "
CC wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:56 AM:
" CRMC needs a change of leadership throughout. They decided to run it as a profit hospital. Since then, especially in the HIM/Coding Dept, they manage by fear and intimidation. Many experienced poeple are leaving these departments due to this reason. It really needs a change to survive. "
The Real Young Professional wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:24 AM:
" I don't work for the city. I had to comment on this one since a person used the same handle I typically use. I am sure the doctors and hospital will work things out. This happens all over the country all of the time. "
Concerned wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:12 AM:
" You do not want the doctors to run the hospital. They care about one and only one thing. MONEY! That's what the WinHealth thing is about. MONEY. The hospital has some and the doctors want more more more. Dr. Beer gets $1500 a day for being on call, he wants more. At $1500 a day he gets over $270,000 a year in just call pay. So you want to give the docs more power. Just think about it. How many of you make $270,000 for just carrying around a pager and cell phone. Do not believe for one moment this is about patient care. This is about a power struggle with the doctors. The doctors do not want to be told to provide good care, they do not want to do their charts, ask some of the nurses how they are treated by some of the doctors. I can tell you, they are treated like trash. If you want a hospital like Laramie let the doctors control the hospital. "
Nurse wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:00 AM:
" Give me a break. Poor Dr. Beer he only gets $1,500 per day to be on call. Ask what we nurses get for being on call one day, maybe $35.00 or so depending on the number of hours you worked at the hospital that day. Can you imagine of what the docs would pay themselves if they really ran the hospital. "
Laughable wrote on Sep 24, 2008 6:50 AM:
" I find it laughable that the finger is only pointed at the executives in this article. The problems among physicians, nursing staff and tech staff was shocking while my Dad was in the hospital. It was an outrageous JOKE. Even with new leadership, I will never go to CRMC for anything serious nor would I recommend it to anyone else.. "
to Addison.... wrote on Sep 24, 2008 6:35 AM:
" Are you serious? People followed Harms because of the pay, nothing more. Do you really think someone would be asked to 'leave' a facility as a CEO if it is doing well? "
Past Employee of over 7 years wrote on Sep 23, 2008 10:39 PM:
" As a former employee of CRMC, I agree that Mr. Harms needs to go and so does 1/2 the management. Yes the wait is long in the ER and yes they dont always make the good call, but take a good look at the job
opportunities on the web site. Some of those positions have been there for years. you cant run a hospital well when the staff that is there is so burnt out that there will be mistakes. The 7+ years I was there, in my department alone there have been over at last count 60 some people come and go and that was from just before I left. When you leave you have a exiting interview and fill out a form. you can say what you feel. Everyone I have ever talked to said the same thing too many chiefs and not enough good indians. Management is unwilling to see how things work. They dont have a clue. It is ironic that at night and on the weekends with only a House Sup things pretty much got taken care of and done better.Listen to the employees "
opportunities on the web site. Some of those positions have been there for years. you cant run a hospital well when the staff that is there is so burnt out that there will be mistakes. The 7+ years I was there, in my department alone there have been over at last count 60 some people come and go and that was from just before I left. When you leave you have a exiting interview and fill out a form. you can say what you feel. Everyone I have ever talked to said the same thing too many chiefs and not enough good indians. Management is unwilling to see how things work. They dont have a clue. It is ironic that at night and on the weekends with only a House Sup things pretty much got taken care of and done better.Listen to the employees "
Core Strategies wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:57 PM:
" Customer- everyone (employees, vendors,patients, etc.)create an envirnoment where every contact with every customer results in a mutually rewarding experience. Care/Services- Grow and improve services. Regulations/Compliance/Policies- Meet or exceed all Regulatory Requirements. License Accreditation Strategies- Acquire and Maintain all targeted licenses and accreditation. Reimbursements- Improve Financial Performance. Strategic Planning involving all is very important, especially for growth and gaining respect of the community. Without the above, all will fail. Outsider looking in with sympathy and empathy. Have been thinking about relocating. An excellent community hospital is very important to all, patients, employees, doctors, businesses, and the community at large. Good Luck resolving the issues. Probably will still relocate to Cheyenne. "
Concerned staff wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:33 PM:
" The removal of Charlie Harms is necessary but if he goes it will leave the upper management at CRMC at charge and with no boundaries. The new CNO and VP of clinical services bascially run the hospital now and carry just as much blame as Charlie. No one knows any of the new VPs or what they do. Staff just want to do their jobs and have support to do it well. The Board meets on Thursday and lets hope that they hear that there is more than Charlie that needs to go. "
Art wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:18 PM:
" I for one would not have any surgery done here if I could help it. I take all my medical business to Colorado where they will accept my insurance. I also don't like the fact that Cheyenne radiology has a monopoly on reading all MRI's and X-rays taken in Cheyenne. I have specifically asked not to have any of my health care associated with Cheyenne radiology in the past . But they seem to get their greedy little paws on it and I end up paying someone I didn't even see for or want in my health care billing me. People in Cheyenne are a lot safer going out of state for health care...SAD!! "
Oh Really Now wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:38 PM:
" To everyone on this forum that complains about various mistakes at this facility: Firstly, I'm truly sorry if you've lost a loved one or if harm was caused to you/someone you love. No one deserves anything like that. That being said, you should all keep some things in mind. For example...a small thing called human error. We, as humans are not perfect, mistakes will be made and generally speaking mistakes are not made on purpose with the intent to harm/kill someone. So get over yourselves with the whole mind-set that this hospital "killed my mother, son, whoever." Remember that patients can make mistakes too...maybe they forgot to mention certain allergies etc when they first came in...ever think of that? "
Concerned person wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:19 PM:
" The resignation of Charlie Harms will not be complete unless it also includes ALL the TOXIC upper management that has been hired in the last 5 years. The morale at CRMC is below rock bottom. If the Board has any brains they will take the advice of the doctors and get rid of Charlie and his Colorado company of power and money hungry followers. It is time that we as a community are PROUD of our hospital and not AFRAID to be a patient or a staff member. CRMC can be great again if we listen to what is being said. The lack of communication is not limited to the doctors, it is widespread throughout the hospital and the community. I say the Board of trustees need to listen to what is being said and act accordingly for the sake of all involved, not just the doctors and staff but the community of Cheyenne as well. "
Really wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:01 PM:
" Just some comments. First of all...if you're going to post a comment, check your spelling and grammar. Secondly, for those of you who are speaking about things that you have no knowledge about, enough. As someone from the inside (yes, currently) I have seen the style of leadership that CRMC is administering/lacking. Our front-line staff (not just nursing) are over-worked and under-staffed...all the while, we continually add layers of VPs and Directors - especially in the Nursing and HR divisions. The resolution lies squarely at the TOP. Remove Mr. Harms, trim leadership, and focus on employee satisfaction and patient safety. The Joint Commission (JCAHO - make note of the CORRECT abbreviation) "approval" was, at best, NOT indicative of how our facility functions - but more about who spun the best story. By the way, did I mention this week is CRMC's employee engagement survey? Maybe THIS year, the results will be posted. Stay tuned. "
Former employee wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:51 PM:
" All I can say is I left CRMC 3 months ago because I had enough of the multiple managers. I think that I had a total of 5 bosses from my direct superviser all the way to Mr. Harms. Me and my wife worked there for 3 years and saw some very drastic changes that we finally had enough of. None of the changes Mr. Harms made were ever beneficial to the employees. He always talked a good talk but never walked the walk. We were pushed over the edge by the new Dress code and especially his reasoning behind it. Now he is tryng to enforce a parking code in where employees will be fined if they are caught parking on the city streets. Come on, wy not worry about the important things in the hospital. That being patient care. Its a novel concept. If Mr. Harms would stop trying to make CRMC the next PVH, things would go a lot better. Oh, and Dr. Beer is in fact doing his job. He is obviously on the medical board and is responsible for making the statement available to the press. "
Doctors wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:15 PM:
" It seems to me, from all of the resent comments, that the focus should be on the doctors and patient care. Are the doctors worried about their company (WINHEALTH) or are they concerned with patient care? Complaining about a CEO when patients are going to Fort Collins in masses seems a little strange to me. Doctors should be worried about patients first, right? "
Hardworking stiff wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:09 PM:
" Dude, who cares really? I go to Fort Collins for ALL medical services. Pretty simple huh? "
Calm down Another Voice wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:08 PM:
" I work for a local physician group, and yes the doctors in this town own half of winhealth partners, but the hospital owns the other half. Don't believe me? I'm sure you could check that out with the insurance commission. I suppose we will never know what this is really about. Things like this are rarely about the issues stated. "
Young Professional wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:00 PM:
" I wonder who exactly is Another Voice? Why would that person attack Winhealth? They do not have anything to do with this. I work for the city and we would LOVE LOVE LOVE the opportunity to use Poudre Valley Hospital, which would hopefully happen if in fact this had anything to do with some supposed contract issue with winhealth. Geez Cheyenne, where in the hell do you find all these quacks??? "
To another voice wrote on Sep 23, 2008 6:54 PM:
" It occurs to me that perhaps you are confused. At the very least you are grossly misinformed. Not only does Winhealth not have anything to do with the doctors and their demands, but CRMC OWNS HALF OF WINHEALTH. There, now dont you feel stupid? So you see, it is in Winhealths best interest for the doctors and the hospital to get along and work together towards resolving their issues. Next time you have the urge to display your utter ignorance, please do us all a favor and do some RESEARCH. Maybe you will get it right next time. "
Operaters wrote on Sep 23, 2008 6:25 PM:
" Docters and Hospital are there to care for people #1 #2 to make money to many only care about money not the people Beers will operate on anyone if he thinks he can make a buck its not right the hospital overcharges on ever bill a bunch of CROOKS! "
To Mike wrote on Sep 23, 2008 6:02 PM:
" You have serious issues with the CCC, why is that? You have to bring it up and compare it to everything. I think, that possibly, CCC is smart by not letting you join. If they allowed you a membership, you would be their Ralph and NOBODY wants that negativity, immaturity and hatefulness. Get over it already.Go to Phoenix with Ralph, you are two peas in a pod. "
Something has to be done....... wrote on Sep 23, 2008 5:38 PM:
" This issue has nothing to do with JACHO. JACHO is for accridation not satisifation of employees. You have to have JACHO in order to meet certain standards. Seems to me that the issue here is physician satisfaction, maybe they should take a survey of the rest of the staff and see what that satisfaction is. I can bet it would be LOW. Charlies attitute toward staff is "if you don't like it here, go somewhere else," this came from one of his infamous "Charlie Chats". If things are said in "Charlie Chats" that he doesn't agree with he has that person removed. Now how is that for working with the employee. I think that it is time for him to step down. As far as for Loveland, go either there or Greeley and mention his name, be prepared for the response. They are all SO Happy that he is gone, the opinion there is that he ran it into the ground, and the best thing was when he left. There has to be some changes made and fast our healthcare depends on it. "
I seen this long ago wrote on Sep 23, 2008 5:29 PM:
" To bad we got rid of DePaul I just loved that place and the sisters there.It is still a beutiful place. Why keep moving the houses for a parking lot when it is going to be moved to Happy Jack of all ungodly places it can not handle the traffic,why not take the offer they had given to them "take the 80 + acres free across from the collage." Who was the fool that turned that down,it would be so much better and closer, and free, better streets.They have $$ on there mind and it is every ones money, we should have a say as tax payers. The county is getting as bad as the city counsel. "
Hp Bud wrote on Sep 23, 2008 5:10 PM:
" WIN HEALTH sucks. The employees at the hospital don't want their health coverage thru them anymore (The doctors do). They all want BCBSWY, but politics will prevail.
This will be interesting to see. "
This will be interesting to see. "
Wyoming Native wrote on Sep 23, 2008 4:04 PM:
" How many Docs are we talking about? Why can't he recall? What are the specific issues? Why was this done at the same time JACHO was giving UMC some of the highest ratings in the country. "
FORMER PATIENT AND EMPLOYEE wrote on Sep 23, 2008 3:17 PM:
" IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE GOT CHARLIE OUT OF HERE!!! HE'S BEEN RUNNING THIS PLACE INTO THE GROUND SINCE THE DAY HE GOT HERE. HE FIRED OUR MIDDLE MANAGERS (OF WHOM THERE WERE TOO MANY) AND REPLACED EACH ONE HE FIRED WITH 3 OF HIS BUDDIES FROM BANNER HEALTH. EACH NEW HIRE CAME IN AT A HIGHER SALARY THAN THE ONE PERSON THAT ORIGINALLY HELD THE JOB. GREAT FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND MOST OF THEM ARE MAKE WORK POSITIONS. WE HAVE SO MUCH MONEY TIED UP IN MIDDLE MANAGEMENT THAT THERE ISN'T ENOUGH TO GO WHERE IT COUNTS, PATIENT CARE. THE RATIO OF PATIENTS TO NURSES IS OBSCENE. NURSES AIDES ARE PRACTICALLY AN EXTINCT SPECIES HERE. THE NURSES ARE OVERWORKED AND UNDERPAID (AND NO I AM NOT A NURSE). THE PATIENTS SUFFER PROPORTIONATELY FOR THE SHORT STAFFING. THIS HOSPITAL NEEDS TO RE-ALIGN IT'S PRIORITIES AND IT NEEDS TO BEGIN BY GETTING RID OF CHARLIE. THE SECOND THING IS GETTING RID OF THE BOARD FOR LETTING THIS TRAVESTY OCCUR IN THE FIRST PLACE. GOD BLESS THE DOCS FOR PUTTING A HALT TO IT. "
Rich wrote on Sep 23, 2008 2:59 PM:
" And we all wonder why we can't keep good Doctors in Chey town and locals go to Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins! DUH! "
Addison wrote on Sep 23, 2008 2:35 PM:
" McKee Medical Center was not "run into the ground" by Charlie Harms. He left McKee in excellent shape, financially and with a new patient tower almost completed. Why do you think so many people from Colorado coomute to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center? They want to work for Charlie. He is one of the finest administrators, has integrity and works hard to make CRMC a quality hospital. You are most fortunate to have him as the CEO. "
Nebraska Resident wrote on Sep 23, 2008 2:16 PM:
" Gosh - too bad to hear all of this. I had been considering a move to Cheyenne (possibly) and trying to get on at CRMC - guess not now. How sad for such a large facility to have to air their dirty laundry all over the place - runs people away and hurts the whole community. "
tbone wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:30 PM:
" You should try the hospital in Torrington, its not much better. most people here go to Scottsbluff for medical treatment. I hope for the general population in Cheyenne, you can get it solved and get better health care. the Doctors here in Torrington told my 70 year old mother to go to Colorado. How is that for health care in Wyoming. What a joke, she also goes to Neb for medical help. "
To 30 Years........ wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:29 PM:
" I am absolutely shocked to see your attitude that doctors are replaceable. I certianly hope that you are not having this attitude and you being employed by the hospital for 30 years. With that attitude, I would hope not! Are you serious? Doctors are replaceable? To who? To you? what about their patients? What about their families?
With that attitude are you also aware that in the past 5 years I have seen my grandmother be administered medication she is allergic to in this hosiptal and nearly die. My 5 week old niece was inproperly diagnosed at this hospital. She had a curable illness and later died. My own daughter was given a prescription that was written wrong out of this hospital. In my family, there is NO trust in our hospital. We almost lost our grandmother, we did lose a baby, and then overdosed my baby? What is the real issue here? If you ask me it is the lack of respect for our doctors. You know, you take care of your own, and they will have the capicity to take care of others. Please remember we are talking peoples lives here. "
With that attitude are you also aware that in the past 5 years I have seen my grandmother be administered medication she is allergic to in this hosiptal and nearly die. My 5 week old niece was inproperly diagnosed at this hospital. She had a curable illness and later died. My own daughter was given a prescription that was written wrong out of this hospital. In my family, there is NO trust in our hospital. We almost lost our grandmother, we did lose a baby, and then overdosed my baby? What is the real issue here? If you ask me it is the lack of respect for our doctors. You know, you take care of your own, and they will have the capicity to take care of others. Please remember we are talking peoples lives here. "
Another Voice wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:19 PM:
" I agree that CRMC is NOT the best hospital to use in any life circumstance. But are the Drs. pushing to get rid of Mr. Harms and Mr.Bagley because a "VOTE" is coming up in November whether the hospital will accept WINHEALTH Insurance anymore, leaving the Drs. "pocket money" a little less, since they basically own WINHEALTH with the shares they have in the company? They make money through WINHEALTH and if the hospital votes to get rid of WINHEALTH, then alot of people will be without their providers, thus making a problem for there patients. How would the Drs. be able to do surgeries and hospital stays for these patients when the hospital will NOT take WINHEALTH anymore? WINHEALTH would basically be put out of business if this happens. Just a thought. "
Casperite wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:03 PM:
" Cheyenne-
As Bruce Willis said in Die Hard, Welcome to the party pal!
I remember a few years ago when a few neurosurgeons staged simliar stunts to drive people away from the local hospital.
They then made their patients drive down to CRMC for their surgeries until their new privete hospital opened and then resigned their privilges at CRMC and now do surgeries exclusively in their brand new hospital.
Read the Casper Star Tribune over that time period and you will see exactly how it will play out.
Apparently there is only one neurosurgeon play book and Koptnk et al forgot it when they hopped the last charter flight out of Cheyenne. "
As Bruce Willis said in Die Hard, Welcome to the party pal!
I remember a few years ago when a few neurosurgeons staged simliar stunts to drive people away from the local hospital.
They then made their patients drive down to CRMC for their surgeries until their new privete hospital opened and then resigned their privilges at CRMC and now do surgeries exclusively in their brand new hospital.
Read the Casper Star Tribune over that time period and you will see exactly how it will play out.
Apparently there is only one neurosurgeon play book and Koptnk et al forgot it when they hopped the last charter flight out of Cheyenne. "
frustrated wrote on Sep 23, 2008 12:23 PM:
" CRMC has really gone down hill in the last 5 yrs. We now have managers manageing managers. The doctors aren't the only one's frustrated the nurses are too. But no one wants to hear our complaints we don't get to vote on who we want for our boss we get told if you don't like it leave. CRMC is to worried about where we park or if we had a cigarette. If I came to work drunk they would send me to rehab but if I smoke I get fired. Where has the focus gone??? But I am suppose to work 12 hr shift and put up with cranky family, cranky doctors and never get lunch or a break, and they wonder why nursing retention is low. "
Thank you Dr. Beer other DRs wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:57 AM:
" It is about time someone said something about Charlie Harms (the last name should say all) Before he came to the hospital everything went well throughout the hospital. Then Harms came in & started Micromanaging the entire hospital.
He did this same thing in McKee Hospital in Loveland, CO.
RESIGN HARMS NOW!!!!
Get someone new in the hospital. "
He did this same thing in McKee Hospital in Loveland, CO.
RESIGN HARMS NOW!!!!
Get someone new in the hospital. "
Just Me wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:56 AM:
" Someone commented that Doctors are replaceable. Sounds like Mr. Charlie Harms (more than he helps) to me. I would like to point out to Charlie and all the 500 Vice Presidents that YOU are replaceable too. Go back to Colorado and stop turning CRMC into McKee Medical Center North. "
I drove to Fort Collins wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:24 AM:
" My retirment location may be based on where my family will receive the best medical care. It appears that its in Colorado not Wyoming. We need a shake up. I won't say Mr. Harms is bad, but the ER staff is bad, bad. And the triage area to save a life is disgraceful. I didn't have a wait in Fort Collins when I had an emergency. And proper protocols werer followed. Nurses and staff are valued in Fort collins and the community is behind the hospital. What a pity the facilty here is a warehouse for the elderly low paying patient. The hospital needs to develop more sources of revenue by improving programs for medical services. Look to Casper. And Cheyenne would have more money if they didn't write off so much to insurance companies like money was free. We are have seen medical care go down hill based on lack of revenue sources. We need a new hospital. Turn the existing hospital into a medical school. It's a relic. I would not have voluntary surgery in Cheyenne. Dr. Beer is right on. "
Mike wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:05 AM:
" Sounds they have the same problems at the hospital that they have at the Cheyenne Country Club. The CCC isn't making any money either but when you're a Non-Profit/Private Club with expenditures on grounds equipment over $ 250,000.00 and there's no return on the investment for lack of golfers and patronage then you look at others to blame or pick up the slack. However , the strange thing about this is that both Charlie Harms and Dr. Beer are both members of the CCC as well. "
Go Doctors wrote on Sep 23, 2008 10:45 AM:
" Hospital Management has no leadship skills. Leadership is a mixture of soft skills hard skills and motivation. Nobody in this management has any of these. "
Just concerned wrote on Sep 23, 2008 10:10 AM:
" Having Mr. Harms leave would be a benefit to all. He ran McKee Medical Center in Loveland into the ground until he left now it is a prosperous facility. I think the best thing would be for him to LEAVE, the sooner the better. If the Physicians aren't satisified it is difficult at best for the rest of the staff to be satisfied. It doesn't matter if the hospital passed JACHO, that has nothing to do with satisfaction of staff, only accrediation of facility. If the community wants to keep the hospital I am with the doctors, have Mr. Harms leave. "
30years wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:20 AM:
" I can not tell you how hard it has been to keep my mouth shut about this but no more and this may mean my job! As a long time employee of CRMC, I have seen it all and I have to say Charlie Harms has done a great job! yes there are things he may have done better or worse but he's gotten things done. The doctors do not own or run this hospital. they work here like all the rest of us! the physician W/ET have here should not be the only voice being heard. He is at best a poor yes POOR spokesman for the physicians of this community and I am shocked and surpriced the other physicians would let him have as much say as he has had. A physician who can't abid by his own Medical Staff rules or his own contract.
From what I have seen from this group of physicians is the ones that yell the loudest have the most to hide.
The majority of our physicians are fine upstanding folks. Where are they and their oppinions of this so-called problem? "
From what I have seen from this group of physicians is the ones that yell the loudest have the most to hide.
The majority of our physicians are fine upstanding folks. Where are they and their oppinions of this so-called problem? "
Rose Marie wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:01 AM:
" Well it's about time.... To bad when my sister was fired after devoting all he life to the hospital no one came to give her support. I guess you still have to have clout to be heard. What comes around goes around. "
Teresa Hight wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:01 AM:
" Charlie Harms has done a lot for the hospital and he has a lot more to do to make it a world class facility. The residents of Cheyenne deserve a great facility and without Charlie Harms it isn't going to happen. He deserves our support. This may come as a surprise to Dr. Beer, but physicians are replaceable; everyone is. "
Mary wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:58 AM:
" This is true. They have doctored up surveys to show things like 2 1/2 hrs. average in ER when it is actually 5 1/2 hrs. ER performs tests that unnecessary and dangerous.Billings are inconsistent and erred. Time for a change "
AboutTime wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:55 AM:
" It's about time somebody did something about the hospital. Morale has been going down for a long time and it's at rock bottom. Charlie would rather save a few pennies than take care of the staff who are under manned and way over worked. He does not care about the staff and neither does the hospitals leadership, they are disposable to e used and then thrown away. "
Young Professional wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:14 AM:
" Why is it that it took four days +/- for the WTE to pick up this "news"? TV 5 got the scoop long before WTE and informed the public while the WTE was busy being the mouth piece of CRMC. Like anybody here actually believes that CRMC is excellent at anything! Come on WTE, get you act together and report on the NEWS, not the BS propaganda CRMC and the City of Cheyenne want you to put out. You are doing nothing but alienating your paper. "
Dr. Schyler wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:59 AM:
" We need new leadership at the top. They have gotten red eyed with power and that has no place in a hospital.
We need better. "
We need better. "
Not True wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:39 AM:
" I agree! We need better healthcare in Cheyenne. I have heard so many folks including myself say they are afraid to go to CRMC. That's aweful when a person is sick and afraid to seek medical attention in a hospital (the only option we have here). That's not a good sign, go somewhere else? If you're in dire need of medical attention that might not be an option. "
Leave Your Comments
|
There is a 200 word limitation per post Comments are not posted until after being approved by WTE staff. Comments may be rejected by the WTE staff at their discretion. The comments posted on the Reader Comments section are not necessarily those of the WTE. If you would like to report an offensive post, please contact us. |
K wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:41 PM: