Editors Note: This letter was sent to employees and physicians of Tahoe Forest Hospital by the Tahoe Forest Health administration the day Moonshine Ink published its articles (see Related Stories sidebar) on the hospital. We are publishing them here verbatim and without edits.
July 11, 2014
Tahoe Forest Health System Statement
Legitimate questions have been raised in the media about the financial condition of Tahoe Forest Health System, and how we will respond to changes in health care in our community. These are challenges for hospitals nationwide.
Despite the suggestions that have been recently published, Tahoe Forest Health System finances are strong. As is often the case with politically motivated media stories in the news today, isolated facts and numbers may not tell the whole story, and are often not objectively evaluated or presented in context. Unfortunately, this seems to be the nature of news reporting today. As always, we fully cooperate with media and interested parties who have questions of any nature about the operations of the health system. We welcome a diversity of input and opinion.
• The Tahoe Forest Hospital District Board of Directors has been aware of, and is reviewing concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest in the Health System.
• Tahoe Forest Health System is financially strong and stable. We have made substantial investments in technology and the physical plant and have a positive cash flow.
• Tahoe Forest Health System is a recognized leader in patient satisfaction and quality. We are a community asset and safety net, much the same as the fire district and police department.
• We are extremely proud of the high level of care provided by our employees, physicians and volunteers.
As we move through the upcoming election season, we can expect more questions on these issues as healthcare is a heightened topic of discussion nationally. We are committed to continue an ongoing dialogue with the community on these issues.
