Elective Surgeries Delayed at Broward Health Due to Anesthesiologists’ Work Stoppage
Financial Problems Deepen for Anesco, Anesthesia Provider
Elective surgeries at Broward Health’s four hospitals were postponed this week as unpaid anesthesiologists walked off the job and financial problems deepened for Anesco, the systemwide anesthesia provider.
Lack of Anesthesiology Staff Forces Hospitals to Postpone Elective Surgeries
Patients with planned operations such as hip replacements and hernia repairs at the large public health system were told their surgeries would be delayed. The hospitals – Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Broward Health North in Pompano Beach, Broward Health Coral Springs, and Broward Health Imperial Point in Fort Lauderdale – lacked anesthesiology staff, using the remaining medical professionals for more urgent surgeries.
Anesco’s Financial Troubles Began Months Ago
A dozen Anesco doctors and nurses told the South Florida Sun Sentinel recently they hadn’t been paid in weeks, some even as much as three months. Along with staff, Anesco hires contract workers, who also haven’t been paid.
Healthcare Professionals’ Plight
“This is our livelihood,” said a nurse who asked not to be identified out of fear of not being employable. “We are out thousands of dollars. We provided excellent anesthesia services and we were not paid. But our issues are nothing compared to the amount of people who need the care they may not be able to get. We have to make it known the care you get at Broward Health is lacking because anesthesia services are not adequately being provided.”
Emergency Hearing Scheduled for Friday
Broward Health is seeking an emergency temporary injunction to allow Anesco’s contracted anesthesia providers with non-compete agreements to be hired by the hospital district after the contract ends. A court hearing is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Broward Health’s Plan to Address the Crisis
Broward Health CEO Shane Strum said the health system is already working with recruiting firms to hire temporary staff to fill anesthesiology vacancies after Friday. The replacement workers could begin working as soon as Monday.
Broward Health’s Stance on Anesco’s Financial Problems
Because Anesco employees have non-compete agreements, the hospital cannot hire them as Broward Health employees. And because Broward Health has already paid Anesco, the hospital district’s position is that they would not provide the back pay either.
Conclusion
The crisis at Broward Health has left patients in limbo, with elective surgeries delayed and the future of anesthesia services uncertain. As the health system and Anesco negotiate the terms of their contract, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the reason for the delay in elective surgeries at Broward Health?
The delay is due to the work stoppage by unpaid anesthesiologists who are part of Anesco, the systemwide anesthesia provider.
* Why have Anesco doctors and nurses not been paid?
A dozen Anesco doctors and nurses told the South Florida Sun Sentinel they hadn’t been paid in weeks, some even as much as three months.
* What is Broward Health’s plan to address the crisis?
Broward Health is working with recruiting firms to hire temporary staff to fill anesthesiology vacancies after Friday, and is seeking an emergency temporary injunction to allow Anesco’s contracted anesthesia providers with non-compete agreements to be hired by the hospital district.
