More than 40 speakers including a representative of Mayor Thomas Menino, state lawmakers, a city councilor, and medical professionals came out in force at a public hearing Friday to oppose the planned closure of a 15-bed detox unit at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain.
Some of the most compelling testimony came from recovering drug addicts and alcoholics — men and women of all ages and from many walks of life — who talked about how the specialized unit turned around a bleak chapter of their life.
Comments
Good for Dr. Starer speaking out about her own hospital. That took a lot of guts considering the repercussions. It amazes me how we turn out backs on those with mental illness and addictions. Some beancounter at Falukner must have figured it was more profitable to use those 15 beds for trating other illnesses. Hopefully they'll rethink their decision.
Units like 7S at Faulkner save or turn lives around. If we allow hospitals to operate like Wallmart it will be about the almighty dollar. Hospitals are regulated to be about the health and common good of the community. Faulkner/B&W performs many commendable services. This restructuring would be a black mark against their record and should not go forward.
I don't think you get it. It IS about the almighty dollar. Beds like this in hospitals don't make money! Services don't matter. Being commendable doesn't matter. Its the MONEY.