Under construction: watch for wet paint

We are making changes to the blog and adding more items so that the story is more explanatory to people outside this insular valley surrounding our man made Lake Isabella. This story is not unique to healthcare and hospitals, in fact, it is becoming more and more common to see the same problems we have here, that is, high debt ratios, low safety and quality issues.

But what we have discovered over the course of the last five years is that politics and healthcare are not companions, they are divisive. President Obama recently stated an intention to reduce "standards of care" thus reducing unnecessary costs. I'm sure KVHD has the bar lowered enough in terms of care, but this is why this investigation continues as we have no hope if we can't finally face the problems plaguing this community and correct them.

How these are corrected are up to this community, and cities all around our nation. Let's put patients back into healthcare, begin again. You can't call a country a democracy, with a certain philosophy, while at the same time turning your heads while they mismanage and mislead.

There is a very one sided nature about healthcare in America which needs to be elucidated so other communities who have suffered from similar issues can learn from our experience.

These are only some of the issues that need immediate attention:

1. Cut back all administrative salaries 20% immediately and implement the merit and profit system to evaluate raises.
2. Bring in new board counsel and reduce costs by utilizing local legal services. (think local)
3. A new auditor.
4. No additional costs

Where are the rumors that the hospital is closing coming from: Tim McGlew maybe...

The rumor mill has found the source: KVHD CEO, Tim McGlew

As people of the Kern River Valley are wondering what is happening with their public hospital and clinics, nothing has popped up in the local news, as this is serious, says Kern Valley Healthcare District CEO, Tim McGlew.

With two reporters on hand for last week's KVHD general board meeting, the KV Sun website is devoid of news and the administrators at the hospital are now denying the hospital has less time than a microwave dinner...

For those who like the news dry and arid, read the CEO's comments during the November 2, 2011 general meeting, unedited except for the uhs and umms:

"With the approval of the state budget this last year, Governor Brown included significant cost reductions for distinct part skilled nursing facilities and sub-acute units.

Those cuts were to be 10% off our rates that were in effect as of our 2008/2009 year.

They made an application to CMS, the federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medi-Cal, initially did not get a response from CMS- CMS issued- during that point in time after they filed that application there was significant input from the hospital communities, from the hospital associations and other providers.

With regards to the impact of those cuts, we're gonna have on the hospital industry and the healthcare industry here in California- CMS issued the state a request for additional information which that state ultimately responded to. and I don't know the timing when they actually received that request versus when they finally made the decision, but- the state has basically approved the, the federal government has approved the state's actions for those rate cuts- to put these into perspective is that in how that impacts the us, we are looking in terms of 1.8 million dollar reduction to our reimbursement-1.8 million dollar reduction.

Obviously, you look at our financial statements you see that those cuts would be drastic.-I don't think-know, for the most part they are unsustainable- there's no way you are going to cut your way to break even or profit with that kind of cut." END

Okay, am I the only one who smells a rat here? If you transcribe Tim McGlew it is easier to see the BS in the PR from the CEO of the SNF and ER. But the video of the last meeting is a must. I must get that uploaded and soon. Remind me.

What is required as urgent to get a story covered by the locals?

This story was not urgent enough for some immediate coverage? The closure of the hospital which suddenly came upon them only a week ago? What has to happen at KVHD to actually get coverage...would they have to win the lottery or they resuscitate Governor Brown at a rally and thereby win favor?

Let's watch as it is quite interesting the Kern Valley Sun delayed this information or our "critical access" to the story and details about the current problems that may effect many who are brave enough to still be customers of the district.

McGlew promised to be writing a full report for the KV Sun this week, so I guess we need to wait and hear the newest and latest side of his own story of the hospital closure...???

What are the ramifications?

This is where we need leadership and quickly, but we don't have it. We want to think that there are no issues we can't handle if we work together, however, that's our problem in the KRV, we don't work together.

If this hospital is on a string, it has been for years, and now we have an excuse, the easiest one of them all: it was the government who did it.

This piece of dramatic public relations crapolla was given by Tim Mcglew with all the right sadness and inflection of deep grief peppered throughout his determined effort to convince us that they are the VICTIMS of reckless government, or ruthless profiteering or whatever they think of next.

They are simply looking in the mirror.

Let me explain something that is important to understand as this issue begins to settle into our busy minds: the people who gain from this are the people who have money and retirement and no lawsuits against them at KVHD.

Bankruptcy and negotiation options stolen from community

The options, ALL the options, were stolen last year by the CFO, Chester N. Beedle and CEO, Timothy McGlew, and probably a couple board members who met with Cal Mtg. our debt insurer, when we were NOT ALLOWED to hear about negotiation or bankruptcy before more ties that bind us to our latest debt: the 6.8 million dollar "January 2011, Beedle deal."

Though the board voted for this informational option, it obviously did it as a deflection as they apparently had no intention of following through. As I said, with revelations that would appear upon a full investigation, there could be charges or some potential justice, (which would make me faint immediately), but that is not a risk certain people wish to take.

We also never saw the operations report done as a result of the 2010, KVHD default with Cal Mtg., from HFS. We heard it had giant holes, but then most of what we hear from KVHD has giant holes. Nothing new.

Plan B, the strategic plan that was to be addressed at every meeting, the promises and the failure. We heard it all and never blinked. How do you guys do that, oh yes, we have to discuss the major impact of the potential loss of the district: no food for the sycophants.

They don't want the books opened up

Contracts are all over this town and the hospital has a grip that you would not believe, that is until I reveal all who could've, should've helped, but didn't because of those "think local" contracts.

They tried to scare the wits out of the community with the threat of bankruptcy unless we the people paid their debts off for them just last year.

Throwing good money after bad is the American way.

And they will tell us anything at this point that we still cannot go into a bankruptcy, yet it could have been successfully completed. Or we could have fought for ourselves, but instead we are too late for those non-tax payer, bail out, measures.

And we could be on our way back from negotiations tentatively planned early in 2009 if the attempt at a rational, non criminal action in terms of negotiating with Cal Mtg. the financial debt master of KVHD was not aborted by the administration ...but the records would come open for all to see and that threatens those with their hands in the cookie jar.

Instead of thinking of those who need a hospital and all who have believed in the humanity of our system, the administrators and board members have dashed all the trust and converted our good will into a farce, causing a chasm in the community.

But don't worry yourselves too much

I know the consensus is that the administration and board must go. That will be easier than you think when we get to that point. You do have that control, we are not victims, but we sure are acting like it.

If you have only gotten your information via the KV Sun newspaper or other local advertising papers, and the sound coming from channel 104.5 on your radio, then you likely don't know much about what has happened here at KVHD in the last few years. (white collar crime or in this valley "the whole ring around the white collar crime.")

Where are the news hounds?

How much longer will there be an ER, that is called news. It would also be called urgent news in circles where a newspaper is used for the community rather than the other way around.

Last month the information came out in the middle of the KV sun general meeting article, just a sentence, that the ER group headed by Dr. Sacapano is on their way out of KVHD, yet there was no follow up as to the excellent journalism 101 questions: why, when, where and how.

If this is the case, then there must be some interest such as maybe losing their CAH status? Or are they are planning on bringing in a temporary company to cover but at what cost? Or...

Apparently, we are not allowed to hear the truth. I've been stonewalled by Mr. McGlew of late, he said he doesn't read my blog...really. From what I've heard he has made it the topic of discussion along with trying several tactics to keep me and my cameras from the meetings since his arrival in July of 2009.

Randy Peale maybe able to answer to some of my contention, that if there is nothing to hide, why are you hiding? And why did they try to keep me from criticizing them or trying to set me up in various ways? Defame me to such an extent I cannot receive any healthcare in the area that I live in that doesn't include the KVHD X-files (again our medical records) Are they so weak at this point that an injured, caustic reporter would push them to do things such as breaking into my records? Threatening people on my medical contact list? Trying to get me thrown out of the meetings? Purposely mistreating me in the ER by mixing politics and medicine? (See post title: "complaints to the cook can be hazardous to your health")

PATHETIC! Kern County allowed a high school board member a swat at someone who disagreed. This is not what we call good examples of judgment, just like KVHD, as there is no rule against criticism, but there are rules against trying to quash criticism to obstruct, say an investigation or colluding with others for personal gain, keeping the tax payers out of the loop or ignoring PRA requests. (A summary list, it goes on and on and on)

Okay, settle down, you will know much more soon, just keep reading. I do answer all queries and I read your stories. I'm slow to respond, but I do care. Allow me some time and I will personally get back with you on any issue KVHD.

There are interim measures such as leasing or bringing on temporary managers, (how about Sandy Haskins of HFS who successfully lead Sierra Kings District Hospital through a bankruptcy after former KVHD and Sierra Kings, CEO, Pamela Ott was arrested) and next year is an election year where the public can speak out, anonymously, safely, behind the curtain, with a vote.

I'm not for cutting the pay of doctors, nurses, all staff, including those who cook, make beds, clean, fill out forms, triage patients (your money up front please), are important elements to a good system. What we have is chaos in this country and it will get worse not better until we wake up to the fact that we lost control of our own local healthcare and we now are running out of time nationally.

First let us hear from KVHD, and the "Wiki leaks" CEO, as that is what they keep promising. And I'll bet the KV Sun has been busy whipping up the cream for their pity party...

Kern River Valley in confusion, panic over rumors of hospital closure

Kern Valley Healthcare District: community needs explanation, HELLO


KVHD, CEO, Tim McGlew, shown above during the November general board meeting, as he tries to explain to the community, that the state of California, and Jerry Brown, as well as the faulty Medicare program, will be the downfall of the district.

Looking emotional, McGlew, who has been CEO for two years, being paid a salary not seen in rural healthcare, almost 230K annually, gave a speech about how the Critical Access Hospital program maybe eliminated along with statewide cuts to reimbursement in the much maligned skilled nursing facility, which, he said would leave the district without the extra funds it would need to survive the current economic climate.

However, the demon for the night was Jerry Brown's budget cuts as this is the KVHD way of communication: blame.

The Critical Access Hospital program was marred in a study done regarding quality issues associated with these rural hospitals and the big issue became a potential change in the way the hospitals MAY SOMEDAY receive their reimbursement: patient quality.

Having a huge debt, and a CEO, who said cutting his huge salary or that of the other administrators, would not help the hospital, leads the community to wonder, and then call me to ask, "what is going on?"

Back at you

Those who have ignored the issues that have been plaguing the hospital for almost 25 years, will now have to wait and perhaps trust, that something good this way will come. And it will take the whole community to do it when it comes time.

It is not the CAH program, nor the Medicare issue, as McGlew even admits in his speech which is on video. (But it's definitely Jerry Brown taking the swipes. I must say Brown is not known for his Jaguars, Mr. McGlew...)

There have been no bills passed, or vetoed, and the lawsuits against the state and various programs, are the bread and butter for the lawyers, it has nothing to do with the district per say.

McGlew told a confused audience last Wednesday night that KVHD joined with California Hospital Association for the lawsuits which are meant to protect the rural health community from these sharp cuts.

He said they could not see this coming and they are surprised. How could that be when nobody else was surprised by the ancient data? (there's more we will contend with later)

Who is the rural health community?

Because such programs as the CAH, and Medicare as well as state run, Medi-cal, have not instituted stringent policies to protect the tax payers monies which fund these hospitals, they are allowed to get away with charging for unnecessary or even negligent testing and treatments, many other types of cost reimbursements designed to increase costs right under the noses of the people writing the checks.

According to a Medicare representative hospitals are not liable for these sorts of mistakes or even intentional money making activities, like those acuity figures we all know nothing about...

Then there are those who hire onto hospitals that are in financial ruin and offer to fix them: for a price. The KRV has paid that price long enough now...

The Staph on staff

There are those in the healthcare business who don't seem to understand that when a hospital is in trouble the people they serve are also in trouble due to safety or billing concerns or even public facilities without basic needs bringing care down to a level that they can afford.

For instance, at one point, KVHD took down its hand cleansers in an effort to save money. I'm sure people have read about the spread of staph inside hospitals and clinics, as staff have come up positive in tests as carriers of the staph bacteria. That was not a good idea Mr. Beedle.

But with desperate times come desperate measures, and those who want to continue to profit are Tim McGlew and Chester Beedle.

The government has a good idea...no way!

But can we afford to hurt our community members? That is part of the main issue, and the government actually has come to our aid in that they are no longer interested in hearing about how bad the rural health system has become.

There is a possibility that at some point hospital's who do not fulfill the needs and become viral, or harmful to the people they are to serve, may not get reimbursed and should fall away as any other business unable to meet its customers needs. The second penalty would be they could lose their certification somehow.

Much like my contention that KVHD should not be giving raises for poor performance, the government has now caught onto that idea too.



CFO, Chester Beedle, continues to mislead the valley and KVHD board members regarding the truth in fact as to the longevity of the hospital. He has been hostile to any idea regarding addressing the old debt, and in his time at KVHD, has increased the debt substantially.


Board member, and radio jock, Bob Jamison, has not said much regarding the district's current financial circumstances, but was aboard the Measure G train last year, and had his own "construction committee" some years ago trying to break ground on this useless, GOB, they want to believe will help. (see Cal Mtg.)

Jamison was also a solid backer of the former administration lead by CEO, Pamela Ott, that tried to cut staff in 2oo5 and found themselves in a corner two years later as the hospital tried out chemical restraining in their skilled nursing facility, which lead to an elder abuse case, still not settled.

In 2007, Jamison, brought Ott to his radio post where he allowed her to talk about how there was NO elder abuse, and even families now potentially ready for civil cases, were callers, trying to get through the thick smoke screen lead by this board member.

The skilled nursing facility

While we watch the failure of government to downsize and include grass root style democracy in the new healthcare proposals from President Obama, there are reasons we are at this point.

(Hold on the phone's ringing)

I just spoke to someone who wants me to send $150 to President Obama and the Democrats and I had a two words for him: NO WAY!

When President Obama decided to change the healthcare system he made one mistake: he didn't allow us all to be a part of spending our own money on our own health. Why do we have to do it this way, it's starting to cause the crumbling of the states, and us little people who are ill and need help.

As far as tossing grenades at Jerry Brown he had little or no choice in the cuts aimed at the rather lucrative long term care industry which has seen its funds slipping away for years into the hands of types such as Sycamore management, who should have been wearing masks and holding pistols when they left with a bag full KRV coins. And there was Chet Beedle handing it out like candy on Halloween.

The CEO says the cuts suggested by Jerry Brown, of course, opposed by all who want more money, will not allow the hospital to continue functioning as they are losing 1.8 million.

And Tim McGlew should be angry, as if he leaves this valley he will not only never see a salary such as the good people of this community have provided him, he will also have the reputation of losing a hospital for his resume...

So, no, Democrats, you will not see a dime from me, but then Tim McGlew, who is grieving the loss of his skilled nursing monies, might send you something from his "super size me" annual salary.

The past comes back to bite you

Yes, the skilled nursing facility is not getting the funding it so desires, and is used to, and it could have been different as had there been some circumspection and not just cash collection in 1986, we would have 140 beds for elderly residents, and would likely survive this challenge. (well, with different administrators and educated, interested, less self-serving, board members)

Because they were so anxious to get the SNF monies during this era, that is when they decided to sell revenue bonds to build this extra portion onto our mini-hospital. There was money all these years, Medicare was trying to bolster long term care, so the issue was to climb aboard.

Then what is going on now?

Tim McGlew, I'm sure, spent his weekend writing something to help clarify all of his claims that the government is the main cause of their problems at KVHD. He will address it as if he is helping you understand, but what you need to understand is you will pick up the tab if they don't come through.

We have heard promise after promise, action is another story. Let's see what the hospital has to say about it's potential closure. I bet it's called measure something or another...

Employees, start sending out those resumes and protect yourself, as there is a serious problem and this hospital IS very likely to be unable to continue in operation.

Patients begin to look for new doctors as the Rural Health Clinic may not only be missing the popular but packing his bags early, Dr. Nadler, they maybe missing the whole clinic.

(Remember last year when the Mt. Mesa Clinical Pharmacy lost money as the administration told us they were the anchor financially and must be closed? Well, they did lose money as they prematurely made this statement. Now, the CFO reported at this month's meeting the pharmacy is doing well, and has been for the last year and a half. ??? Can't wait for more information...Keep writing and talking Tim.)

KVHD board November board meeting: Are these the final hours for the hospital ?

KVHD UNDER WATER?
Newest board member, David Derr, a former fireman may want to bring out his hoses, as the hospital board meeting revealed serious problems with their longevity.

Many people were surprised, but why should they have been? Possibly because they were unaware of the problems taking place due to the district's lack of honest communication with its community members.

There are many diehards, such as Reverend, Charles White, who sat with Pamela Ott going over plans for the 2006 GOB election. White has been allowed to go to meetings such as the strategic planning meeting in 2008, where board members, voted to give, before elder abuse charges were filed, 25K dollars only to Pamela Ott. Hmm...(White shown above, at the December 2, 2010, board meeting, when the board agreed to bring on attorney David Weinstein to offer financial options.)

I again brought this to the attention of Scott Nave of Lemieux and O'neill, the board attorney, why the public was not allowed to attend the strategic planning event, as Bob Jamison, then board chairman, said in the minutes from 2008, the meeting was closed to the public.

Then how did Chuck White and former board member, Chuck Wild, manage to make it to this meeting?

These are the people who have kept secrets, as they knew before I did, that in 2006, the GOB construction plans were not doable. Why didn't they tell us, me, the Attorney General? Charles White who works closely with KRVR, knew, but did not alert anyone.


(CEO, Tim McGlew, shown listening to audience questions and comments)

The community has a choice: the time is now. However, if the hospital happens to fail, we will have to pay the debt with our property taxes. I've never heard them tell us that. But there is much more to this: we need a hospital, only we need to work together to get it.

And we need administrators, board members, board counsel, that are new and not attached to each other like screaming kids in a haunted house.

New people, new day. And more oversight, meaning help from the county and state, to put this together and functional.

It is obvious this group has failed. The problem is that they didn't learn from their mistakes and have never really faced what they have done that brought us to this point. Did the CFO and his pharmacy buddy, Elmo, really need free rent? Or were they taking advantage?

We have all had the chance to help, but most people hid and ran off. Some got sick fighting to get their jobs back. Many moved away.

The CEO, simply took two raises, and now complains they didn't know it was coming.

They didn't know I was coming to the meeting last night either, but I came because of the news regarding the cuts to reimbursement, and a few other things. Though I wanted to stay home as I am quitting smoking and not in a great mood, I thought it best to go, as the hospital got quiet...as they say before the storm.

McGlew talked about a figure of 1.8 million they were facing to lose, and I thought I would remind them they survived 2.5 million they overpaid to Sycamore Management, the group brought aboard the SNF in 2007, according to the CFO, to "stave off Cal mtg," the insurer of the debt that never seems to show up on the profit and loss statements.

They have also paid millions over the years to get contractors to help put humpty dumpty back together again. That didn't work out, paying top dollar, while you are broke? But again, this is how this district has been operating for 22 plus years.

Now is the time to think about the ramifications of allowing others to run such an important component to the community without oversight.

Check their wallets and briefcases if they try to leave

KVHD has no one to blame but themselves. The one constant in the last eleven years has been the CFO, Chet Beedle, and with some logic we can assume that he probably should have been replaced for a variety of troubling reasons. But no action has been taken by anyone, including Cal Mtg. who has been lied to by the "expert in critical care access" accounting, as Mabel Chan, case manager for the hospital, referred to our CFO in an email.


(KVHD Chairwoman, Victoria Alwin, may have to find other people to try and control, as timing the public comments and banging her gavel, have not made her popular. But it may not be much longer that we have to listen to this judge-like chair, who has forgotten her "roots." Alwin, a former critic of the hospital prior to being elected, has been on the defensive of her own performance in the last two years...)

As I said, the Kern Valley Healthcare District board of Directors have no one to blame...however, they always find someone or something other than themselves. The CEO, started his usual round of excuses starting with California Governor Jerry Brown and moved up the line regarding the federal changes in Medicare reimbursement brought to you by President Obama.


The eleven years of financial leadership by CFO, Chet Beedle, shows the hospital administrators and certain board members, did not have the qualifications or tenacity to protect the district. But we never tried anything new in all those years here in the valley.

Oh, forgive me, they did try something new when Beedle cut staff in 2005, preparing for a campaign run for a GOB, they used chemical restraints and free labor from the hospital auxiliary volunteers to keep the nursing center open.

They have been asleep on the job.


Now we need a hospital, and most remarks from residents were conflicted. "I want a hospital, not this one."

I rephrased the question, would you like to keep this hospital if there were radical changes to the administration and board and medical providers? Then the answer became clear to everyone. YES!

Don't let them take the hospital away: it's the administrators, board, and their friends who need to go.

I explained that we can and will have a hospital. The problem which has been here for eons, is the valley's inability to understand what has happened. We were sold out in 1988, selling more revenue bonds to try and complete the hospital expansion that contracted in the course of the work.

They failed to complete the whole project, and therefore doomed this valley to forever have to deal with a debt that could remove healthcare forever unless we move quickly.

We need to start over, remove the high salaries, which the CEO, when asked if he would pitch in some of his salary, stated they are only "pennies?" He indicated taking money from his pocket and other administrators would do nothing in the face of his speech on our "serious issues."

How many pennies did his Jaguar cost?

McGlew who came aboard as the highest paid CEO in the history of KVHD, may not realize that his salary is NOT pennies to the residents who he is supposed to serve.

Who wants the CEO salary? It's 230K a year, plus all the benefits of not living in the area, or even using the facilities for he and his family's healthcare. Stop, I do know that Mr. McGlew has a disabled child who requires certain special care.

Has he EVER considered that he is not the only one that needs specialized care? We have developmentally disabled residents, ailing people, and services that KVHD cannot provide for the patients in the valley.

Did, CFO, Chester Beedle, not see this situation coming financially as there is a wonderful newsletter from "California Healthline" that keeps me, at least, up to date on the healthcare bills and news.

I offer up the idea to the California legislature: Before a public district can begin the process of gaining money via General Obligation Bonds, it must have a district preliminary vote. That will save the time and trouble of finding out that no one cares about a hospital that has put up murals and paint over their horrific mistakes.

Unfortunately, as you can see on the face of Dr. Gross DO, there is little time left to do the right things, they are far too late...And now we will likely pay for their decisions.

(Dr. Robert Gross DO, KVHD hospitalist, former adversary of the administration who had to hire an attorney regarding the KVHD/ Sienna Wellness clinic, asked that residents write their representatives. The board seems unaware that they are government, elected officials in a public district, with public monies, and they should be writing on our behalf. But they ignored this too long and now we have to decide for them as they had nothing but excuses, scapegoats, and long faces at last night's meeting)

Hello to all involved in the 2009 subverted attempt to save the hospital?

In 2009, I saw this coming...where was the board? They were trying to stop negotiations with Cal Mtg. and because of bullying it happened. We never made it past Chet Beedle, Brad Armstrong or former CEO, Rick Carter, who Victoria Alwin blamed for stopping the potential progress last August 2010.

How exactly did Rick Carter stop the negotiation on his own? He didn't, it was a group effort. This is why these people cannot blame anyone but themselves, as they have not shown any leadership or foresight.

They saw the day coming, or if they didn't, then they should just step down now and avoid certain repercussions.

We had support to deal with it. Why didn't this board override Mr. Carter, Alwin's villain, and do what we had needed to do for 20 years?

McGloom and McBeedle stop second attempt at negotiation

I have some ideas, and solutions, but the community now needs some back up, such as that attorney they ignored for one year, and when David Weinstein came around to shore up the information regarding our chances of negotiating with Cal Mtg. or even bankruptcy, but four board members and the administration held the meeting off while signing on to another Cal mtg. debt relief given the district so they would not burden the valley residents with a GOB. (this is according to Cal mtg. and some documents: the board asked for this email and unlike my PRA requests, I got them their information last night.)

Only last week, the CEO, began speaking about the new GOB. At this board meeting, however, he said there may well be no GOB. But we have heard so many stories, as Beedle told us Cal Mtg. was going to help last night too. I will ask for the documents that go along with Beedle's statement.

If McGlew who could have slimmed his salary, along with CFO, Beedle, and a few others, focused on the main issue, quality patient healthcare, reasonable salaries, services the community has been begging for, we may have been able to plan for the future.

Even with the debt, prudent spending could've perpetuated the district's lifespan. That was never the case. They were not saving for a rainy day, and look soaked now...by everyone.

Don't forget, as owners, and voters in this valley, you will need to decide which of the options the hospital has left that would potentially bring in new faces, ideas, and direction and allow us to have quality healthcare.

We need people who have the "time" and the intelligence, who don't change their personalities with a sip of power, who REALLY want to help, and not simply offer lip service.


Board attorney, Scott Nave, did not like my questions and instructed the board to do "whatever" they want to do, such as not answering (that's an old one Scott), or sending it to McGlew for an answer. I'm sorry, I have sent complaints from dozens of residents having problems, and the CEO, always promises, but somehow rarely follows through.

However, I would like to clarify that Mr. Nave broke loose about me, that I had tried to sue the hospital several times.

While the gal with the timer banged her gavel, I reminded Scott, that I repeatedly said if I were going to sue, I would want a class action suit where all people who were hurt, degraded, billed improperly, defamed, can be redeemed.

Are we a class action act? We need to move fast...if that is the will of the community.

So, to clarify, I was quite ill after my negligent treatment, or criminal, depends on the lawyers you speak with, on 1/20/11. This occurred after I complained repeatedly to the CEO, that I needed help, and the ER was calling people "junkies," ignoring the complaints of an elderly woman who said her daughter was abusing her, and on Christmas night the 72 year old woman was escorted outside the ER to the chairs where she was moaning in pain.
(It was a Merry Christmas)

Again, this is so irresponsible and cruel, that we cannot allow ourselves to be victimized by people who may just walk away with a pension, a tremendous salary, and move on while we the valley pay the debt they so lovingly will be leaving us.

But don't worry, I plan on following their careers...

Next year is another election

With another election year coming up, and a GOB on top of the list of strategic planning, we can jump aboard that election and help bring about change.

As our Governor, the one being blamed for the problems that may take down the hospital, said before he was elected, "we have to break down to break through," and here we are with the timing perfect for this community to take back our hospital from the parasitic spending practices and lack of transparency, which is what they hide behind.

Sierra Kings survived

We have spoken of elder abuse charged, Pamela Ott, the KVHD CEO, who was allowed to escape to another hospital in Reedley, California.

While KVHD was sleeping, Sierra Kings, another public healthcare district, has been through financial turmoil brought on by mismanagement, allegedly Pamela Ott, but they went into bankruptcy...the constant fear here in the valley.

The Valley of Fear

With fearful employees, and witnesses biting at the bit to tell their stories to someone who will listen, KVHD, went down another road, missing ARRA funds, running off volunteers who offered their skills to help upgrade services, took advantage of all those pennies, and now, we have a video of Tim McGlew giving us the bad news.

However, the good news is that Sierra Kings made it thru the bankruptcy, had community support to do it, and they are letting loose the HFS company who managed this whole "turn around" project as they are now back in operation with a happy community.(See Reedley Exponent for the full details)

(HFS, is the company who came to KVHD for an "operation's review" and was tagged with leaving "giant holes" in the report. But somehow they helped Sierra Kings...doesn't make sense, unless you are a KVHDer.)

It is possible to save the hospital, it is not when people don't complain, or they don't have the courage to speak up, or work together, when things fall apart. I'm hearing more and more from the inside of the hospital, and I can tell you they WANT to talk about what is going on.

The even bigger picture

We have options such as selling the hospital, but then we have to consider other issues facing this valley as well. Such as years of work on our "dangerous dam." This could cause closure of the 178 to Bakersfield for years.

It may offer some employment, but in the long run, this valley has not looked ahead, and is running into it's own walls...the hospital would be also effected. Have they considered that too? I'm sure they haven't as they are busy spraying water as their pants are on fire.

But again, we are looking at things too late. We failed in every respect, all of us. Now we have to find out what the reality is, and go from there.

According to George Stahl, writer for the Kern Valley Sun, the hospital is expected to fail. The Sun can be thanked for helping this happen, as if the truth were available to all, we could have handled it. But that never happens in the KRV...

Tim's speech: video and details coming up...McGlew slams critical access care report of quality and safety issues at CAH rural hospitals. Waiting for response from CAH to McGlew's statement.
Board member, Robert Gross, admitted that KVHD has safety issues. All video, coming soon...

PRA requests: shutting out the public...KVHD under Fire

It may not be Wall Street, but there's a wall on this street: Kern Valley Healthcare District

Before the presentation of the strategic plan, I received the draft with the initial plans, such as becoming closer partners with other clinics in town. Okay...

The first draft indicated only "Sienna Wellness Institute," would be cozying up to the district, as if they are not already.

The institute is owned by Dr. Robert Gross, DO, KVHD board member, hospitalist, hospitalist group utilizing his clinic employees, former adversary who hired an attorney against the district, along with lining his clinic with campaign signs for the newly elected board vote, David Derr. His partner is Dr. Finstad, the Medical Director for the hospital.

How much closer could they possibly get?

Having the draft to compare to the final version made it interesting as suddenly Sienna Wellness was omitted and Sierra Clinica Vista (another former debtor with "Cal Mtg.) took its place. Sienna Wellness was not even included in the final plan, why would that be? They were not forced to choose only one.

I will put the document up for all to see soon, but I want to understand something before we go there.

Stonewalling the watchdog

I wrote to KVHD board counsel, Scott Nave, of Leimieux and Oneill, and asked about why there was a special meeting for a strategic planning vote. His response was that the hospital wanted the community there to hear all about the plan. I have been around here too long to fall for that pick up line. Next, he will add, "we care."

Usually, a special meetings require some urgency, or maybe privacy, but this was not the case, as we return to the issue of how this recent strategic planning contract bidding process went awry.

How much longer will I have to accept these answers that should be simple, consistent, but we all know the community doesn't know about most of these special meetings unless they make a point of going into the hospital and finding the glass case. It's the general meetings, the first Wednesday of every month, where you see or used to see, the crowds.

Though it was a special meeting it was not informational it was action that needed immediate attention to comply with the grant requirements associated with one of the most openly bizarre bid for a contract. I have had to struggle to find out what happened with this grant money being directed at one contractor as I've explained in earlier posts.

We don't have time for the public

But certain board members have complained that meetings run "too long." I find that obnoxious as if there are issues to be dealt with, those elected weren't forced to run for the board, they get paid per meeting, and even get healthcare benefits. I would like to take umbrage with meetings being truncated by elected officials who are not fulfilling their due diligence as a trustee to the district.

(Have you ever wondered if the board or even the CEO use there own healthcare services? You'll be surprised by the answer, if I ever get it. I like confirmation first, but let me say, they likely won't be sitting next to you in the waiting room of the rural health clinic or ER.)

KVHD board in a hurry

There was an incident when I brought in my third request for an investigation of certain hospital administrators and personnel to a general board meeting. I began reading the request into the record, but was rushed, and when another audience member asked to use her three minutes to hear the rest of the request she was told she could not. Why not? There is nothing prohibiting this.

Chairwoman, Victoria Alwin, shut down the request with a weak excuse, regarding something about taking too much time, dominating the meeting and keeping board members late. Apparently, Miss Alwin, has forgotten she is "serving" on the board. Try coffee or tea.

Or maybe we can go "tele-board meetings" and she can work from home timing the words of the community members she serves so they don't violate the most important issue: the three minute rule.

But then, the Chairwoman's choke hold on comments, hardly touches the other issues such as a situation I reported to the KVHD, CEO, Tim McGlew and was taken aback by his response.

Clarify this for me

Why can't a person who is related to someone who has a lawsuit against the hospital file a complaint, not a claim, with the hospital regarding a totally different issue? Another unsatisfactory answer for the public.

It was a complaint from a woman whose mother has a lawsuit against the district regarding the elder abuse case from 2006/2007.

Her daughter had no claim or lawsuit filed against the district, but the CEO refused to hear her issue, which had to do with an ER doctor who treated her child, and the board counsel said he did not have to hear her "complaint."

The information I received, by email, does not seem to fit the normal course of action. She had a a right to make a complaint regardless of her relationship with the other lawsuit. And since it had nothing to do with that case, it appeared illogical, therefore untrustworthy information.

We will cover claims and complaints, but I need people to be aware, that the board attorney has told me he investigates the claims coming to the hospital. So, where is Beta-group, and how may have they answered the question as the district's liability carrier?

However, regarding simple complaints from those darn complainers out there that could actually help them improve services with the knowledge, are likely round filed. But not all complaints can be round filed especially if there is an issue with possible illegal activities or unsafe practices.

Make sure to follow up and pursue answers beyond that of the hospital.

BACK to the special strategic planning meeting: Ahoy!

Each year the hospital gets SHIP grant monies, if they qualify, and there are specific uses for the small sum averaging 9,000 dollars.

As I've been asking, why was only MICHAEL PHILPS allowed to use that money to offset his bid for the job? I've never seen this happen before...anywhere, but is certainly not done in a public hospital setting.

So, the deadline to finish this project was 8/31/11, and the regular board meeting was 9/7/11. Again, pennies turn into dollars, but all of this is fishy, and I am done fooling around with the PRA, Public records act, which has turned into requests unfulfilled dating back three years. I explained this to the hospital's attorney, and he has yet to respond.

The issues I am bringing up are the causes of the districts problems and if we continue down the same path we will get the same results. At this time, they have no bananas, they have no bananas today...(sing along)

UPDATED:New tax measure talk of the town: Cal Mtg. and KVHD

Uncle Tim and Uncle Chet want you, but mostly your money

The news is out, the first item in the latest strategic plan is the very thing that KVHD administrators and board members don't like to talk about...your money becoming their money...taxes.

The 2010 Measure G, fell like a rock in the election under the pressure of a failing economy as hospital administrators quickly threw together a 20 million dollar GOB without notifying the community until late in the election year or having solid plans to share with people who had questions.

It probably didn't help that also in August of 2010, CEO Tim McGlew, took a raise while employees salaries were frozen, then they came to the community for more money which was to put on a new ER with radiology. McGlew is also the highest paid CEO to date, coming into a 25 bed acute care hospital, at over 200K dollars, annually, with two raises in two years, and two defaults in two years.

(How would that justify a merit raise which should be the standard in the industry using practical as well as ethical policies when paying its hired help?)

It's the Government's fault: they are government

CFO, Chet Beedle has been relieved to blame the on-going hospital financial problems on the current recession, but anyone with a knowledge of the district's history, knows this started 25 years ago when the district borrowed against valley property owners taxes to expand the hospital.

They sold bonds. Revenue bonds.

And those who know the history also understand that excuses and scapegoating are almost what they do best at KVHD.

The original sin

The expansion deal of 1986, as we know, went bad, and we paid twice as much and only built half the construction project. Do your math. You will need to add a lot of zeros, but this cost not only money, but the quality of healthcare in the valley. The ability keep up with rapidly changing technology. The inability to keep and retain quality and community requested services.

It also left them antiquated, with equipment such as PHACO machines for cataract surgery, and cardiac equipment purchased by the KVHD Hospital Foundation, stored away, not put to use, though I'm sure it was depreciated.

Hard to believe, but we had two PHACO units, and one was stored in the closet of a chiropractor for several years until he asked them to remove it. (The lack of sense and continuity in their spending is outrageous, we have barely touched on it yet)

Why should you care?

This is your debt. If you own property within the boundaries of the Kern Valley Healthcare District: you own that debt. If the hospital stops existing and paying that debt, you will begin paying that debt. Ask the residents of Concord or Pittsburgh, California, as they are finally nearing the end of paying state creditor with the office of statewide healthcare planning and development, OSHPD, our friends and anchor, CAL MTG.

The reason for my redundancy on this issue, is that many residents do not understand that they are the debt holders. When the hospital added another 6.8 million this year, I did not hear anyone flinch, when they apparently "agreed" with the district to go forward with this "Beedle deal," and encumber themselves further.

But that's not the whole story: The GOB and the new debt reserve/ not a loan though

Board Counsel, Scott Nave wrote to me shortly after I sought information from Cal Mtg. regarding the latest encumbrance, 6.8 million you and your family and future offspring recently spent.

There is a serious conflict in this area, where Mr. Nave, of Leimeux and Oneill, and the legal counsel for Cal Mtg., Don Morey, have completely different stories regarding this latest financial venture created by CFO, Chet Beedle, who has his own story, as well as CEO, Tim McGlew.

What happened to our rights?

In an effort to understand the deal, as the timing was shortly before the board voted to allow the community to hear information from another attorney, David Weinstein, who was to speak regarding all the options the district might have concerning negotiating with debt insurer, Cal Mtg. or the viability of bankruptcy, etc.

Weinstein's visit, which was solely informational, and cost less than the seat warmers in KVHD CEO, Tim McGlew's Jaguar convertible, should have been accessible prior to the decision to go forward with another "quasi-financial" deal with Cal Mtg.

But as everything KVHD, they continue to prowl at night, creating business plans that go to financial institutions without board approval, offering tax dollars to gain approval for extra money on their line of credit, holding off anyone who might know more than the CFO or have ties to others that are benefiting from these illegal and unethical practices.

Mr. Weinstein came to the valley, he spoke for 3 hours, but that was after the CFO, and CEO, had safely sealed the latest stop gap agreement for 6.8 million which would have changed the information he would be giving as we asked for information prior to any more spending. And the board voted for it.

You likely didn't hear about the options, as the local media, actually, refused to take the information or cover the story. Ask Sue Barr of the Kern Valley Sun Newspaper or call for a video copy.

So who do we believe?

Okay, two attorneys, a CFO and a CEO, walk into a bar, the first one says...I apologize, but this is a joke, to have to constantly juggle all the different answers that should be simple and straightforward.

As I said, the first item on the new strategic plan is to begin the campaign for another general obligation bond, GOB, that is collected in property taxes from residents of the valley. The bond CANNOT be used to pay the debt, but somehow I believe they will "funge it."

Nave responds in an email:

The District has not eliminated a general obligation bond from future plans. In fact, it was one of the first items in the strategic plan. Cal Mortgage is aware of and, to our knowledge, in concurrence with this plan
But Cal Mtg. said they were clearing up the confusion:
I hope this clears up any confusion surrounding the current situation between the District and the Office. The intent and effect of this plan should be to increase Medicare and Medi-Cal cost reimbursements to the District and lower overall costs, particularly in the short run, to allow the District to implement steps to increase revenue and reduce expenses.

This will result in more time and money which the District can use to improve services, make capital improvements and generate sufficient revenue to support the District’s medical services without the necessity of a general obligation bond measure.

Don Morey

What we have here is one story from KVHD that they are in sync with Cal Mtg. and all believe they should go forward with a tax hike next year.

But as Cal Mtg. responded above, they gave them this last bit of crumbs, to avoid having to overburden this valley with a GOB...so they say.

We're playing hot potato with this

Now, on January 5, 2011, Chet Beedle requested that Cal Mtg. make this agreement, but on December 2, 2010, the board had voted to let the community hear about ALL the financial options, which were to be presented by David Weinstein initially. We asked for this information and the board voted to go forward.

But just as in 2009, when I had asked the board and administrators, and even local government to try and negotiate some sort of deal, a deferment, anything that could stop the bleeding, again the CFO, Chet Beedle, managed to keep that from happening. Beedle and then CEO, Rick Carter, along with Bradley Armstrong, began harassing the board member in favor of attempting a solution.

It was called off, because of bullying on the KVHD end.

Just a minutes

Mr. Beedle repeatedly lied about the financial condition of the hospital on video, and in emails. The only thing Cal Mtg. has done is read the minutes from the meetings and have some secret meetings. That is why I had to protest the minutes at a board meeting, with long time administrative secretary Heidi Sage, who was not putting in my comments verbatim as I had requested.

The film is rather funny, as the board members argued with me that I could NOT pull the minutes from the agenda, as they didn't even know the meeting basics. I guess that is what the board attorney Scott Nave is being paid the big bucks for.

But they also lied to Cal Mtg.

In a series of emails beginning in November of 2009, between KVHD CFO, CEO, and Cal Mtg. case manager, Mabel Chan, it becomes clear that the administration was hiding the dire situation occurring financially from both the community and their insurer.

Beedle was attempting to get a total of one million for his operational line of credit, but was being turned down. He offered up the fact that the bank who would fork over the full million would also get to manage the GOB monies he told Chan that our community was supporting at that time...Feb/March 2010. He said they had 80% support.

According to CEO, Tim McGlew, in an email dated April 2010, they had not done a survey as I had inquired after reading the correspondence, and he was going to "look into it." I'm waiting patiently.

The defeat of the bond measure last year, showed the community has learned more about the issue and turned their backs on the district and sent them a clear message...on a billboard: NO ON MEASURE G.

The Beedle request on behalf of the district:

Here again, Cal Mtg. accepts Beedle's request for assistance as the piggy bank or AKA the debt reserve fund is depleted for the second time in just over ten years.

Yet, Cal Mtg. justifies the deal by simply saying the hospital has been struggling for last few years (it's 25 years to be accurate) and that the district is now attempting to reduce costs.

They also attempted to cut costs in 2005 which lead to an investigation into "short staffing, dehydrated patients, falsifying staffing documents and physical restraints in the nursing center."

It makes you wonder if there isn't some liability on both parties here in the elder abuse case or at any time when the hospital failed to provide proper and legal staffing.

Low rent district

The CFO had free rent for 10 years and now is paying $60 a month, is that what Cal Mtg. is talking about when they say reducing costs, because Beedle only began paying rent shortly before they admitted to the community they were in default on their debt covenant.

But again Beedle on film, told the audience at the July 2010 board meeting, that yes they were in default but received a special "waiver" from Cal Mtg. And when I asked Cal Mtg. what this waiver was about, Don Morey, said he did not know what Chet meant by a waiver.

Again, always discrepancies between the stories from Beedle and McGlew and Cal Mtg.

If you aren't confused now, you will be soon

Who is running the Kern Valley Healthcare District: really?

Lying to your creditor: CFO Chester N. Beedle

Perusing emails written to and from the Kern Valley Healthcare District CFO, Chet Beedle, I have a theory that either Cal Mtg. insurer of this community's debt is easily duped, or they are fine with having Mr. Beedle sending out emails regarding things not so "transparent."

Beedle has been with the district or formerly with the district's management company that hired former CEO of KHD, Pamela Ott, currently charged with elder abuse.

Dave Green and Chet Beedle came on board the sinking ship in 2000, after the obvious overwhelming debt from the expansion project which was initially estimated to cost 13 million, and finally climbed up to 22 million, and yet the construction only created half the initial project.

Management companies have combed thru this valley scribbling notes, charging large sums, regarding saving a hospital ruined by debt and incompetence. Chet Beedle came from such a company, called BRIM.

(under construction: see you soon)



(Current KVHD CEO, Tim McGlew, came on board in July of 2009, in his first year he started a campaign for a "bailout" called Measure G. All the management companies, that have been involved in trying to create a solution by charging "Wall Street" prices, have overwhelmed the districts bank account, and ALWAYS the first suggestion is a tax hike. And now once again, via our new and old friends, another GOB is on the way. Watch you wallet.)



Sent: Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 10:35:24 am
From: Chet Beedle
Subject: Hi

The answer to your questions are as follows:
1) Dr. Gross wants to be the hospitalist medical director for KVHD, but he wants significantly more money to do so.
2) Yes, KVHD lost over one million dollars on their capitation contract with BFMC. The district does currently have a contract with BFMC, but it is a fee for service contract.
3) The answer to your question is yes. Cal Mtg. and the bondholders have already discussed bringing in a management company due to KVHD not meeting their bond covenants. I have staved them off by saying that we have already done this with Sycamore Asset Management Co. They will not continue to wait forever.

Thanks for the confidence about the financial position of the district for the last four years. I am just concerned that we are no longer in that position and I am not currently able to reverse that trend.

I am waiting to see if Bob Jamison will take Rick Carter to Exchange. Have a good day!

Chet Beedle


Beedle's Resume shows a sharp shooter

Reading Beedle's email showing that he has the clout to actually ignore Cal Mtg., or stave them off, mislead them, you can suddenly see a link with his resume:

3) Assisted two California district hospitals with obtaining operating lines of credit that were guaranteed by the Cal Mortgage program of the State of California.

This is quite confusing as the CFO manager of KVHD's money and perpetuity, claims to have saved district hospitals, arranging Chapter 11 reorganizations, has strategic planning strategies, but he went to school in 1976, and then prior to his arrival in these here mountains, he finally got his masters in Business at La Verne University.

But in his email, he dramatically reveals he cannot keep up with the debt that had been created before and after his arrival. For Beedle to have all this experience, I would imagine, that the situation financially was the truth.

What could he have done to assist two hospitals to obtain Lines of Credit from Cal Mtg? Fungible monies, for old debts, it seems this is how it is done. No bankruptcy with Cal Mtg., but that doesn't mean there aren't other ideas.

Current CEO, Tim McGlew, also had a relationship with the OSHPD office of Cal Mtg. when he worked for the "Home for Jewish Parents" on a multimillion dollar expansion project

There is nothing illegal about a line of credit, except when the insurer of your debt is the only one who can obtain credit for the beleaguered healthcare district. The problem is that the board and administration seemed toknow ltte about