Pittsburgh-based West Penn Allegheny Health System's break up from acquirer Highmark is heightening unrest among many of the health system's physicians, according to a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report.
In a letter to West Penn Chairman Jack Isherwood, physician leaders demanded the board revive negotiations with Highmark. The physicians also want the board to fire West Penn CEO Keith T. Ghezzi, MD, and the consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal, according to the report.
Fourteen physician leaders from Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville, Pa., have expressed concern over West Penn's interim management and the possibility of cuts in staff and services at the hospital.
In a letter to Mr. Isherwood, the physicians said Forbes' medical staff is "dismayed regarding the recent change in leadership and reporting structure that may affect the operations of Forbes," according to the report. The physicians are accusing West Penn's interim management team of poor judgment after it reduced the responsibilities of Forbes' president, Reese Jackson.
John Balacko, MD, medical staff president for Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, Pa., also wrote a letter to Mr. Isherwood and Dr. Ghezzi. Dr. Balacko suggested physicians from West Penn's smaller hospitals be appointed to the system's board of directors.
Highmark and West Penn have both expressed interest in resuming talks, but no formal meetings have been scheduled, according to the report.
Did Highmark's Firing of CEO Dr. Ken Melani Prompt Problems With West Penn?
West Penn Allegheny Calls Off Highmark Merger
In a letter to West Penn Chairman Jack Isherwood, physician leaders demanded the board revive negotiations with Highmark. The physicians also want the board to fire West Penn CEO Keith T. Ghezzi, MD, and the consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal, according to the report.
Fourteen physician leaders from Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville, Pa., have expressed concern over West Penn's interim management and the possibility of cuts in staff and services at the hospital.
In a letter to Mr. Isherwood, the physicians said Forbes' medical staff is "dismayed regarding the recent change in leadership and reporting structure that may affect the operations of Forbes," according to the report. The physicians are accusing West Penn's interim management team of poor judgment after it reduced the responsibilities of Forbes' president, Reese Jackson.
John Balacko, MD, medical staff president for Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, Pa., also wrote a letter to Mr. Isherwood and Dr. Ghezzi. Dr. Balacko suggested physicians from West Penn's smaller hospitals be appointed to the system's board of directors.
Highmark and West Penn have both expressed interest in resuming talks, but no formal meetings have been scheduled, according to the report.
More Articles on Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health System:
West Penn Willing to Resume Talks with HighmarkDid Highmark's Firing of CEO Dr. Ken Melani Prompt Problems With West Penn?
West Penn Allegheny Calls Off Highmark Merger