For all the good intentions Project Scripps may have, few under the organization’s umbrella seem willing to work toward any immediate solutions to mend the growing rift between administrators and doctors.
A recent meeting scheduled by the San Diego County Medical Society apparently was given the cold shoulder by the leading administrators of Scripps Health and Scripps Physicians. The forum was planned to allow Scripps Health and Scripps Physicians to detail its plan for Project Scripps, which has been touted for several years as a landmark effort to consolidate its hospitals and physician groups to create a countywide network of doctors associated with the six Scripps hospitals.
Medical Society officials had to cancel the meeting at the last minute, however, citing a dispute over the format and invitation list. Apparently the two groups’ administrators were unhappy the plan would be discussed in an open forum. They also were upset the media would be allowed to cover the proceedings.
To us, it simply sounds like it was a chance for doctors to get answers on how Project Scripps affects their ability to do their job. And by allowing the media to cover the forum , 11 journalists reportedly received invitations , they similarly would be able to report on how this whole ambiguous project would benefit the patients.
Doctors get a chance to understand their role in the operation while patients get a glimpse of the murky world of local health care. It seems like the Medical Society had the best interests of both members and patients in mind. And considering Project Scripps was first announced in September 1997, such basic information is long overdue.
We would hope the Scripps Health and Scripps Physicians groups would be happy to meet anywhere, anytime on the Project Scripps issue. We also realize doctors’ questions would likely be radically different from those of its patients. Because doctors live daily with the internal and political trappings of the health care industry, they may question administrators on sensitive issues like fiscal health and organizational leadership.
These may be uncomfortable issues, but the facts are doctors and patients alike have a right to know. And as consolidation of the health care industry creates a befuddling maze of bureaucratic red tape, open dialogue between administrators, doctors and patients is imperative.
Project Scripps is an ambitious plan that ultimately could meet that goal. It’s time for all sides to find common ground and work out their differences so doctors can get out of the board room and spend quality time concentrating on patients’ needs.
, Rick Bell
