[StBernard] 5 named to panel to explore options for new hospital

[Westley Annis]

Isn't Ochsner a non for profit organization?  If so, wouldnt they also  be
eligible for emergency funding after a disaster, even if it werent publicly
held? also, Couldn't we choose Ochnser to provide the health care and still
be publicly owned?

The article states: ""At a public forum last month, many St. Bernard
residents supported the
Franciscan Mission's proposal, saying a publicly owned hospital would give
them greater control over their medical care and enable profits to be
reinvested to expand and improve the facility.""
 
A lot of the employees of the Franciscan's clinic attended that meeting.
There are probably just as many residents who support Ochnser as a choice of
health-care particularly if their insurance doesnot include the
Franciscan's.  IMO I would rather have my children referred to specialist in
the metro area or at the Ochnser Campus in Jefferson Parish for speciality
care not available at the Chalmette Hospital, than go to Baton Rouge to Our
Lady of the Lake.  Just my opinion, we need more information before
deciding.

SJK