Sierra Kings District Hospital in Reedley is in trouble. Our community hospital has filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy and is more than $3 million in debt, has mismanaged $1.7 million in construction bond money and has had leadership issues for several years.
Yet, the current hospital board of directors, particularly Chairwoman Trish Johnson, refuses to step down following a community outcry for resignations. Community members recently presented Johnson with a petition of more than 300 signatures calling for her resignation, which Ms. Johnson has ignored.
This seems the height of arrogance, and even demonstrates a defiance that she refuses to accept her role in the hospital's financial crisis. Are we asked to forget that Johnson has been a member of the board for nearly 20 years and has chaired the board for more than nine years?
Should we look the other way as we watch our community hospital close its doors?
Ms. Johnson should consider the community and our need for a well-managed and healthy hospital. She should step down now so that new leadership can step forward and help heal our hospital. Reedley and the surrounding communities that are served by Sierra Kings District Hospital deserve good health care.
Doreen Oken
Reedley
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