HSHS President and CEO Damond Boatwright discussed the closure of HSHS and Prevea locations in western Wisconsin and its implications for rural health care in an interview with Catholic Health World’s Julie Minda. Boatwright revealed that more than 60% of vulnerable populations, including Medicaid and Medicare patients, utilized HSHS hospitals. He spoke about the efforts made by the organization to improve the situation before making the decision to close, such as launching its own insurance company.
Boatwright acknowledged that the market was oversupplied, which contributed to the challenges faced by HSHS. During the interview, he also mentioned HSHS’s attempts to partner with Catholic systems and non-Catholic partners but none were interested or able to make an agreement. When discussing the community’s reaction to the closures, Boatwright noted that it mirrored the stages of grief, with people moving through denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance.
Boatwright emphasized that HSHS took steps to collaborate with other healthcare providers and elected officials to ensure a smooth transition for patients. Despite the challenges, Boatwright highlighted HSHS’s commitment to its values and doing what was right for the community even though it may not have been immediately welcomed. He mentioned that other organizations in similar situations may have simply left the market without considering the impact on the community. Overall, Boatwright expressed a sense of responsibility and dedication to ensuring a positive outcome for all involved.
