I AM FIGHTING TO KEEP CRITICAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT EXETER HOSPITAL WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND NOT OUT OF STATE

Not only are our advanced level paramedic programs being cut, but also neurology, podiatry and pediatric dental programs are slated to be eliminated if something is not done...

Exeter Hospital abruptly notified patients of the closure of critical medical practices - Neurology, Podiatry, Allergy, Pediatric Dental, Occupational Health - with just 30 days notice and suggesting patients seek care at out-of-state practices, or practices that are booking appointments in early 2025, and no consideration of insurance needs or transportation limitations. 

Unacceptable and unconscionable.  

The merger with Beth Israel Lahey Health was to bolster Exeter Hospital and “bring world class medical care to our community” not the dismantling of a New Hampshire community hospital.  

As you can see from the coverage in all of our major local news sources, I am fighting hard to sustain the Exeter Core Physician practices while holding Exeter Hospital-Beth Israel Lahey Health accountable to the contract approved in New Hampshire Superior Courts July 1, 2023.

Updates and coverage on the status of my fight to keep healthcare intact and in NH are below.

I continue to actively advocate for healthcare options here in my District and Statewide.

"..."the “abrupt” termination of critical medical programs at Exeter Hospital/Beth Israel Lahey Health have been “devastating to my district"

- Executive Councilor Janet Stevens



“we cannot let up” noting 50,000 of her constituents could lose ALS coverage, 4,500 kids will lose dental care and nursing health facilities are losing neurology services and are not able to transport them in their fragile state. "

- In Depth NH: Exeter Hospital Merger Under Scrutiny, Executive Councilor Sounds Alarm

"There's a lot of unease, people are scared. This is a community hospital. The residents were assured that state-of-the-art health care would be coming to health care and that it would stay in Exeter" - Councilor Stevens

EMAIL COMMUNICATION TO NH DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Janet Stevens

September 24, 2024



Thank you for taking the time to speak with me earlier today regarding Beth Israel Lahey Health’s (BILH) response to the NH DOJ demand for information issued on Monday, September 16, 2024, regarding the termination of healthcare services at Exeter Hospital and the subsequent response received on Friday, September 20, 2024, which has since been extended to today.

Following our discussion, it remains unclear how BILH has addressed several critical questions, which I have outlined below for further clarification:

1. Definitive List of Service Cuts:
2. A comprehensive and specific list of the services slated for discontinuation has not yet been provided. Please supply a complete and definitive list.
3. Number of Patients/Staff Affected:
4. Detailed information regarding the number of patients and staff who will be impacted by these service cuts is essential. This data remains outstanding.
5. Sample Notices of Termination:
6. I have previously forwarded examples of termination notices. However, further clarification on the format and language used in notifying patients and staff of the changes is requested. Please confirm receipt of the materials I sent and provide any additional examples of notices issued.
7. Compliance with the Final Judgment:
8. An explanation is needed as to how these service discontinuations do not constitute a violation of the Final Judgment. BILH has not yet sufficiently clarified this point.
9. Decision-Making Process:
10. A detailed explanation of the process used by BILH to arrive at these decisions, including the criteria and stakeholders involved, has not been provided. Please supply this information.
11. Notification to the Monitor:
12. An explanation of how and when BILH notified the appointed monitor regarding these decisions remains unclear. Kindly clarify the timeline and method of notification.
13. Affiliation Agreement:
14. Further clarification regarding the terms of the Affiliation Agreement, particularly as it relates to the planned service reductions, is requested.
15. Expansion of Services for Vulnerable Populations:
16. Information regarding how BILH plans to expand or continue services to vulnerable patients in light of these discontinuations is still required

Please ensure these critical issues are addressed promptly and comprehensively. I look forward to your timely response. In addition, please confirm the following details:

Occupational Health:

Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) has asserted that there are no current municipal contracts for Occupational Health Services, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). However, I have several Fire Departments actively utilizing Exeter Health’s Occupational Health Services. I have previously forwarded a 2004 contract for the Town of Brentwood and will provide an updated contract for further reference.

Allergy Services:

According to your discussion with BILH leadership, the primary provider of allergy services has departed and transitioned to practices located in Portsmouth and Dover, which are both accepting new patients. BILH has committed to assisting remaining patients in identifying and securing new providers. 

Podiatry Services:

BILH has agreed to extend the podiatry practice for an additional six months to facilitate a transition plan. As a result, there should be no interruption in podiatry services during this period.

Pediatric Dentistry:

BILH has confirmed that the previous providers at Core Pediatric Dental are departing Exeter Hospital with the intention of establishing a private practice within the Exeter Hospital catchment area. While no specific timeline for the opening of this practice has been provided, BILH has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the New Hampshire Department of Justice to expedite the establishment of the new practice.

Neurology Services:

BILH has agreed to continue the Core Neurology practice for six months in order to complete a comprehensive transition plan.

Advanced Life Support (ALS) Services:

The existing contract for ALS services is set to terminate on December 20, 2024. BILH has indicated that they have engaged in discussions with Fire Chiefs regarding this termination. However, local Fire Chiefs with whom I have communicated have not been contacted by BILH. The Seacoast Fire Chiefs have expressed their willingness to collaborate and would welcome a BILH representative attending one of their upcoming meetings.

Janet Stevens 

Executive Councilor

(C) 603 498-0546

janetstevens4nh.com

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