Comments on: TRMC Begins to Cement Oversight at Latest Meeting

By: Melodie Ford-Furtado

Melodie Ford-Furtado — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 13:30:00 +0000

In reply to Clark.

Not one time did Dr. Benzeevi ever hold our jobs over our heads.. So for you to make these comments is pure ignorance. If all the naysayers would actual take the time to meet Dr. Benzeevi you would understand more the passion he brings to this hospital. We are ALL so appreciative to HCCA for not leaving when the going gets tough and for giving us a chance to keep Tulare Regional Medical Center open!

By: Joseph Oldenbourg

Joseph Oldenbourg — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 01:32:05 +0000

In reply to john williams.

John–
Please elaborate where our article is biased in favor of Measure I. It’s true we quoted Dr. Benzeevi, Bell and her son–but that’s simply reporting. We’ve quoted many people regarding TRMC, TLHCD and HCCA. You say you’ve spoken with Dr. Benzeevi, and you exhort people to get info from a certain website to get the facts. I exhort you to ask Dr. Benzeevi and the hospital accountability people what they think of the Valley Voice.

By: john williams

john williams — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:26:59 +0000

While reading this article above it seemed to give a lot of biased opinions in favor of Measure I instead of reporting the facts. I then re-read the article and found the quotes from Benzeevi, Bell and her son just to be more of the “smoke and mirrors” campaign they’ve been relying on to confuse the voting public. And then when you combine a biased news article with the huge volume of Yes on I propaganda we’ve received in the mail, you begin to wonder “why are they pouring it on so hard? What are they trying to hide? And why do I need to mail the ballot in right now? I’ve got more than two more weeks to decide!”
It’s because they don’t want you to get all the facts so you can make an informed decision! How can the yes on I people afford these mailings? Is it because a large number of citizens support the measure? No, it has come from a $250,000 donation from one person. Some of that money was then used to hire a PR firm to “work” the public to be in favor of Measure I.
Again…what are they trying to hide? And why all the scare tactics like saying the hospital will close otherwise? Or the absurd comment Benzeevi made last Saturday morning during our discussion in front of Starbucks (documented on Facebook). At that time, while walking by Benzeevi I asked him how he was going to live with himself afterwards. He replied “how are you going to live with yourself when people die? People are not going to die! It’s just another blatant lie. Please get the facts before you vote. And please do vote and mail in your ballot. It’s a very important issue! With a low turnout they are seeing, it’s so much more important that you get your ballot mailed soon. Your vote really does matter!
Along with the fact that if Measure I passes it will mean increased taxes for homeowners and increases in rent, it means Benseevi will be able to continue to “Stick It” to Tulare with his current $3 million a year salary with automatic raises for the 10 year contract that our hospital board signed years ago. I urge my fellow Tulare citizens to vote NO on Measure I. For the facts, please go to: hospitalaccountability .com

John Williams

By: Jayne Presnell

Jayne Presnell — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 14:20:37 +0000

I don’t understand why there is all this attention and negativity focused on the past. Let’s put all our collective energy into improving our healthcare right here in Tulare! Let’s just vote YES on Measure I and move on to a greater community for all of us!

By: Tulare resident

Tulare resident — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 03:11:54 +0000

We need to vote YES on measure I. We need a hospital here in our community. It would be very unsafe to have to go to a further town in the event of an emergency. Additionally, young families who are thinking to buy or own a house would benefit from having a hospital within the area since it would increase the price value of the properties

By: Resident of Tulare

Resident of Tulare — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 23:24:46 +0000

It’s unfortunate that some people within our community keep bringing up the past and refuse to acknowledge all of the great things happening at TRMC, especially the financial turnaround. HCCA came on-board and brought our hospital back to life! Our children deserve close and great healthcare!! We need to come together as a COMMUNITY and vote YES on Measure I.
I urge you to please VOTE YES on Measure I!!

By: Citizen of Tulare

Citizen of Tulare — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 22:57:01 +0000

Clark: its unfortunate what you witnessed during your visit. However, there are some facts you have incorrectly regarding budget and employees. Under previous administration employees did loose benefits and pay raises were delayed for a long period of time. However, since HCCA took over management employees have been given pay raises twice within the last 2.5 years. Not only was it over due but HCCA has empowered employees, made them feel valued and now work as a team.
HCCA has had a positive operating margin for more then two years. With the completion of this tower we will have a state of the art facility to better assist our patients and community. In addition to the facility new physician recruitment will be easier to obtain. Regardless of politics it is difficult to recruit physicians with a 65 year old hospital. Please remember this hospital belongs to the community and we as community members need to take action to keep this hospital growing. This hospital will not survive without this expansion completed.
Yes on Measure I.

By: Clark

Clark — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 00:15:28 +0000

Seriously for Board Member Bell to admonish those of us who are against Measure I is akin to questioning Jim Jones about why we won’t drink his koolaid. I supported the 85 Million Bond in good faith and then became dismayed when the Board became complacent and lost track of the money. Now we get our hands slapped if we do not give them another 55 million with the threat of closing TDH if measure I fails.

I gave HCCA a try for my mothers care and saw first hand unkept, dirty grounds, dirty front entry lobby, and a dirty procedure bathroom. I as well has my siblings, 2 of my children, cousins and friends were born at TDH.
It troubled me to see what the current board has let it become.

HCCA balanced the budget on the backs of dedicated employees by cutting their pensions, and dismissing long term employees to save salaries. If HCCA can not finish the tower on their dime, terminate them and find another management firm such as Adventist, Mercy, Methodist, or even KDDH. Who is paying to rebrand TDH? Follow the money trail it never lies!! For HCCA to say that TDH was mismanaged for decades is hypocrisy!! It seemed okay when Ed McClendon, Tom Johnson, and Jerry Boyter were at the helm. I guarantee you Jerry would not of let this mess happen!

I have great respect for the employees of TDH but as for the Board they need to be recalled. My family has made the switch to KDDH for our healthcare. If you want to give your hard earned tax dollars to a private unknown corporation then do so. But remember we Tulareans built TDH on our dime. Consider if you want to give it to select few for their own pockets! NO on I !!