Medical records, test results, refills of prescriptions, billing: Where are our records KVHD?

Most people I talk to who are caught in the healthcare system due to chronic illness or even longer than expected healing times, will tell you that the standard routine is all about making appointments for care, testing, filling prescriptions, and paying the bill.

But in the last few months I have collected a number of stories from patients within the Kern Valley healthcare district who complain all of these basic needs are not being met.

Last year I had to be the one to find out that the radiology department was seemingly holding on to records and they were not being sent out in a timely fashion as the new CEO, Tim McGlew, had only recently reported the successful transition to Truxtun Radiology and how well everything was going.

Taking a test is useless if your doctor or you do not know the results.

I had a cold, a summer cold, and for whatever reason I was sent for an x-ray at the KVHD radiology department to look in on my lungs for possible pneumonia which would fetch more money than a simple dose of over the counter Benadryl.

Not wanting to disappoint my doctor as he had spent those few seconds scribbling down the test request, I went and had the test done.

My doctor told me I would have the results the following day. Tim McGlew told the community that results would be quicker or actually "were" quicker with the new radiology contractor.

I hacked and coughed for a week and then realized I had heard nothing from the doctor on my test results. Not that I thought I had something horrible other than a cold, but since we spent the government's Medicare money to run the tests, I thought I might like to know the results.

At first, I assumed they would call me if there was a problem, then I questioned that logic as I have never seen that sort of fastidious care thus far, so I called.

Suddenly, everyone was looking for my x-ray and even the hospital which did the test, had to spend time in the search for test results.

When they arrived, I was informed that they DO NOT have one day x-ray service outside of the ER.

This was a minor error

In this case I was correct I had a cold, and the insurance paid money to find this out. But in other situations that have come to my attention, this problem is not only irritating but possibly dangerous. (Not possibly, I'm a textbook case right now)

This single mother had many tests run as she had been sick with gastric problems for what she claims is four years. The insurance again paid for all of this and the tests have been run multiple times, but the communication between all the parties, doctors, referrals, test results, were never able to come together.

After four years, she has a surgery scheduled that could have been potentially treated with medication in the early stages, but now has reached a point where more money is out the door, to bring in the surgery portion of the story.

She could have had complications, the risks are now growing, along with the bill.

The problem is one that can harm a person to the point of death, though unlikely, but it is a great big light bulb for those in the industry to consider more closely.

I called it in

You will hear that phrase regularly as those of us who have to regularly gather our medications often have to hunt down our doctors.

The doctor writes the prescriptions and you read on the back that you must take it a certain way and not stop without contacting the doctor as there might be some curious side effects: such as your blood pressure skyrocketing or your heart beat nose diving.

A main complaint I have gathered and experienced is the last dose effect. If you're not all together such as myself, and have no ability to organize, you find yourself down to the last pill at 10 pm and you can't find a pharmacy less than an hour away.

And you forgot there are no refills. In this area this can become a big problem and though I often call and scare the poor pharmacy techs I manage mostly to keep the medications going. But there are people who have lost insurance or changed insurance or don't have a generic, are caught in the KRV prescription trap.

I've seen people think they can stop something and suddenly find they are sick again, and we again pay for that mistake.

Sometimes small mistakes become big

The hospital knows it has communication problems even within it's own doors, five feet away, or whispered in their ears, they are not hearing with any acuity.

Why should we pay for this business when it is not working and therefore unsafe? I'm sure the hospital would love to have a great big GOB of 20 million to talk about how the problem is they have no money: the problem is they think they have no other problems.

Yes, they have money problems due to imprudent spending, just like their biggest brother, the federal government, but they also have let down their patients and put people in danger.

The federal government has a problem in that they are supposed to pay for all the mistakes made by their little bothers, such as KVHD, a public healthcare district, with elected board members.

Imagine the exponential effect of all the hospital's taking Mediare and Medicaid adding just a few tests or visits on the bill.

For instance, I found out over the weekend (many things) but one of which is that I have been getting pregnancy tests. I know about the birds and the bees, but I also know I had a hysterectomy.

Why doesn't KVHD know that?

They were also recently looking for my appendix which is probably decayed by now as it was removed when I was 12.

Paid for by the Government against waste and fraud....

Remember when I said I knew it was a cold?

I know myself and I'm sure most people feel that way, as I said I knew last year when I was getting a cold that it was a cold. I didn't think I was dying, I was uncomfortable, and my nose plugged, but I knew.

Now when I say making a small mistake can be larger than you first imagined, picture this: I have been seen for a cardiac problem twice detected by KVHD ER staff and equipment, and it was never reported to me.

I have to make a quick phone call as my emergent condition 10 months ago was only uncovered in the past few days...make sense? No, it sure as heck doesn't.

More soon, including the poison control tape you must hear....

KVHD thinking Bankruptcy? Surgeon feeling slighted: politics and medicine

December 2, 2010 the Kern Valley healthcare District board of directors voted 3 to 2 to bring in an attorney to explore options to help the ailing district to remain in business with enough money to keep the doors open and the patients safe.

It was a fight, won by three teenage girls, who asked the board why they waited so long to take action?

After one of the most contentious meetings I have seen since Pam Ott stepped down, or actually side stepped down her responsibility for the deaths of nursing home patients and her lack of knowledge or credentials to run a hospital, in May of 2007.

However, the board vote was pushed into the future, and the attorney was called after a "deal" made with Cal Mtg. the insurance company holding the bag on the hospital's old debt, was put into motion. The deal, which basically puts the burden back on the community, only offsets, and will not help as the Medicare/Medical driven hospital, will be feeling the cold shoulder from the state and federal budget very soon. Bracing for this economic disaster should have happened long ago, as our two top, high paid managers, Tim McGlew and Chet Beedle both ignored all the signs, and ignored a warning from a professional regarding jumping in on the ARRA stimulus funds which we could have had to build, expand or Chet, even pay off some debts such as Cardinal Health which used to supply the Mt. Mesa Clinical Pharmacy.

It's too late though

I remember Chief Financial Officer, Chester Beedle, and Dr. Robert Gross DO made a joke one meeting in 2009, about the fact they don't have a "crystal ball" to see into the future.

Well duh. Get binoculars.

Here we are in early 2011 and you're trying to tell me that none of these "professionals" or "veterans of healthcare" could see the pattern that they were going down, way down, anchored by an old debt, and in technical default after spending millions of dollars trying to hide their deficiencies or "crimes" from 2007 to 2008? Only an imprudent financial manager would allow this to happen, but this person would need help from an uninformed community, and likely in collusion with the board of directors to continue to speed ahead to the giant iceberg they are about to hit.

I saw it coming and I have a visual problem

In February of 2009, I wrote up a potential deal with Cal Mtg. the insurer of the debt, and gave it to the board, administrators and our now Senator, Jean Fuller. I saw it coming two years ago. (I feel also like reminding you that I also called out that our buddy Jerry Brown then AG, was gearing up the PR for a run at the Governors mansion six months before he announced it)

Everyone was ready to begin a turn around in a timely manner as the writing was on the wall in 2009, though Beedle denied it. Then "Assemblywoman Jean Fuller" gave me her word (the word of a politician) that she believed it was a good idea and supported the effort.

Suddenly, a cold draft came from that "master of numbers" Chet Beedle who began a round of "bullying" to keep the potential meeting from taking place.

Former CEO, Rick Carter, and Brad Armstrong joined the club against such a "premature" measure like trying to solve a problem that could eventually lead to BANKRUPTCY. Current, Chairwoman of the board, out of touch with the truth, told this community in August 2010 as they were whipping up a tax bailout,"Measure G," told the equally out of touch audience that it was the fault of Rick Carter that the 2009 meeting with Cal Mtg. was shut down.

Not exactly, isn't that right Chet?

With Chet Beedle ready to pack up his retirement and head home to Apple Valley either this year or next year, depending upon what happens in the near future both financially or maybe even an investigation that could peel off the mask hiding his fiasco that has made the Kern Valley Hospital a DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY.

Beedle, who gave me his "updated" resume back in 2007, somehow worked as a "controller" in Miami in 1974, while attending Arizona State University and Wisconsin University during that same time frame, (how he could do this would be miraculous, but I have to say it's "positively" remarkable even) blew the KVHD bank roll in 2007-2008. He told Cal Mtg. (the word "told" is key here) that Sycamore Mgt. Company who came on after Ott made a run for it, was our new "management company." They took away more than 2.5 million from this hospital. They also did not "fix" the problems in the nursing center which were extensive. Why didn't we take action to regain some of our losses? Well, it could be that Beedle and the board allowed them a "time and materials" contract. We let them walk away with two years worth of debt payments for little in return. Even a child in a rudimentary math class could see the writing on the wall. But not our boy, Chet, he kept up the ruse until now or he had something to gain.

Dr. Kent Skoegerson not too happy

Skoegerson hired on during the Ott/Beedle era along with the "sticky three" quorum, board members, Bob Jamison, Brad Armstrong, and Barbara Casas, who kept the vote going their way. With no surgeon at the time, Dr. Skoegerson, a successful doctor who had extensive background in "laproscopic surgery" and he made a good living doing "weight loss" surgeries, was ready to retire. But he came to the valley according to a notes from an article I did in 2006, to help this small community, and to enjoy the lake and his motorcycle. However, there were issues such as the fact that he was no longer a hungry, young surgeon, he was at a point where he could help, but only so much...

Dr. Gross and wife Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross

Some people don't know or were not here when the Gross couple arrived in the valley with talk of "change." The young couple wanted to make this a better district, and many people believed they were going to be the one's to do it. People of the community believed in the Gross plan to such an extent that they even loaned them money to get started. Several members of the hospital board and administration, such as Bob Jamison, Pam Ott and Chet Beedle, made promises to the couple that they would share a building and bring on new "specialists" to the valley. They also had plans for an urgent care, as Pam Ott, reported in the Kern Valley Sun articles I wrote back in 2006. The situation became worse, and lawyers were brought in as a "your word and a handshake" are not something you should count on when doing business in this valley. Gross fought the hospital but it seems we did not know what his plans were for the future.

Now a board member

Chet Beedle reports in an email on this blog, that he would not hire Dr. Gross as the "hospitalist" because he was "too expensive." (like Sycamore mgt., Tracy Brown, Aspen Street Architects, or even a PR company that did nothing, and Dr. Skoegerson?) With Gross on the board of Directors, the hospitalist for KVHD, and owner/operator of Sienna Wellness Institute, he has gained power on the inside. He even went to the extent to give his backing to David Derr, posting signs at his clinic and officially "giving" Derr his backing for a board seat. Derr was elected and now he and Gross have teamed up and did the same things done to Gross during the "dark ages" five years ago: bullying. He bullied and hurt the very people who put him in power which makes him just like the people who pushed him around a few years ago. No sympathy from this blogger, since he also vowed he would NEVER mix politics and medicine. Well, I'm here to tell you, I WAS a patient of Sienna Wellness and as far as I know he had no problem with what happened to me under the care of his clinic.

Why didn't you just tell me?

In 2007, as the hospital struggled to stay open, Gross came from a board meeting as he was only attending because he had financial and obviously personal issues, with the administration, and bumped into me afterwards. He growled, "that fucking bitch" and I surprised as I was still unaware of all they were hiding, so I asked what was going on. He chastised me for believing in Ott and her gang and stormed away leaving me standing there wondering what happened to our plan to "revive healthcare."

Gross votes out Skoegerson

While on vacation recently, Dr. Kent Skoegerson, found out his contract with the hospital was voted down, and his 90 days were enacted. Chet Beedle in an unusual stance, took the side of Skoegerson, and not "new friend" Dr. Gross. Beedle, Victoria Alwin and Bob Jamison, argued to keep the surgeon, as they had no one to replace him at this juncture. But Beedle's reasons I believe are quite different. Since Skoegerson is out there fighting, words flying from all quarters, voices calling for Dr. Gross to step down or be recalled, I can tell you that Skoegerson has some "goodies" on Mr. Beedle. We all have goodies on Beedle it's just that nobody wants to hear it and many are too afraid to speak up because they want to keep their jobs and live in the valley. But Skoegerson is a long time doctor who knows to play on the best side, right...or wrong. I have no expectation that Skoegerson will uncover the Beedle, as he was part of the original game. Personally, I had a surgery with Skoegerson and he's good. As far as his business affairs, well, that's another story I'm sure will be out in the open soon.

I can do nothing but sit back and watch

I'm sure all who know me, now know that I would be up and at them if it were possible, but as I have warned this hospital is not safe. And the doctors involved in my decline are STILL WORKING THERE. The CEO who promised to help as we have all been directed to send him our complaints, did nothing to stop what did not have to happen. So, if it didn't have to happen, then why did it? Was it on purpose Doctors? My medical information has been breached, and death threats came in the day I came home from another hospital: they were calling my medical contacts. One of those contacts is my 91 year old neighbor and WWII veteran who was told by this jerk that I was dead or dying. I had been out of touch for a week, and called him to see how he was, and he said someone called him and said I was dying. Yes, I was enraged to say the least that they called him. He served his country during an honorable war, helping veterans since that time, and the hospital let this happen. Maybe even aided and abetted the calls? Nobody got another threat for over a month after I reported this incident to the hospital and police and the FBI. However, when I received a piece of evidence indicating that a certain doctor who needs to know I will NOT forget what he did, I called the hospital to see if he was there so I could speak to him about this. Six hours after I left my message suddenly another "death threat" came in after a whole month of nothing. I called the ER, and suddenly another threat. We have recorded them and reported to the police and FBI and I want this "prick" to know if you want to threaten me, please CALL ME! I don't like cowards, and this idiot who is afraid to dial my phone, will be charged with a crime. Don't think you're safe, because you're not, AND THAT IS NOT A THREAT THAT IS A WARNING.

I get calls and sometimes answer

Sadly I've received calls from many people in the last couple months with complaints and fears of the Kern Valley Hospital. I have done all I can until I find out what is going on with me. I'm injured in every way you could hurt someone. If you've had a heart attack you will know what I felt. I was given the great sensation of dying, and pain that goes with it. They slipped me a mickey and they lied to a federal agency as they were trying to get them to agree to do something very wicked. There's no question in any of our minds that have seen/heard the evidence, both laymen and medical types, that this doctor lead the agency to give the go ahead to unleash the pain. Then they refused to tell me before they gave it and for five days nobody told me what was going on. But you realize some agencies such as Department of Public Health in Bakersfield, don't play by the rules, and this is not my first attack, that came three years ago, after a head injury that sparked a stroke and then a trauma at another hospital. DPH was getting daily letters from me back then, and then even backed out on allowing me to see the nursing home records from the KVHD investigation. My friends and I were told by "now retired" DPH employee, Linda Wilkinson, I could come down on 4/1/09. It must have been April's fool day at DPH because she simply disappeared and we NEVER got to see those records, even though by law we should have.

Making a federal case out of it

After my recent incident, I returned to find my PA at Sienna Wellness who I thought at one time a decent person, but he acted like a prejudiced practitioner with no "heart." I reached out to them for help and what I got in return was more damage. It was icing on the cake and then they would add candles as Tim McGlew and the PA in a conference call, tried to bully me. They gave me advice that was immediately refuted by the people they were trying to pawn me off on so they could slip away unnoticed. The PA made remarks that are just as "illegal" as if he made racial slurs. He said some very discriminatory remarks about me being bi-polar, one of my disabilities. He went on to be even more crass and arrogant by telling me that it's "women doctors" and "women" who prescribe in error natural type thyroid remedies. (Gee, where did he get that information is there a prejudice data bank for male PA's only?) He told the office that he was afraid to see me that I might have a gun. And he went on to talk about my "emotionally cracked condition" leading to me shooting people. I was aghast that this was being said not only in my presence, but in the company of the staff. To assuage your fears, I don't have any designs to shoot someone, in fact I'm trying to protect you right now and you don't even know it. I didn't have a gun, but I have a disability which has kept me from being able to get proper health care. However, feeling threatened I did bring something with me that day to protect myself: a tape recorder. Sienna Wellness needs to deal with the truth and not your word against mine, which has been damaged so badly that I had to get the tape so there was no question I'm not exaggerating.

Bankruptcy was not the objective

As I said in December of 2010, three teenage girls with more sense than the whole board, and the local media, told the "emperor" he had no clothes. Instead of listening to the insight of these bright, young ladies, they placated all of us with a vote they had no intention of following through on: sure bring on the attorney. No date was set, yet when it was, it was cancelled, and then word leaked out that Beedle and Mcglew had made a deal with Cal Mtg. to in debt the district with another deal: this time a strange type of loan, bail out, or whatever you want to call it. The rumors flew that the attorney was called to bankrupt the hospital, but what these gossip mongers didn't know was that he was being called to answer questions about potential actions the hospital could take to remain in operation: such as negotiation.

After all of that, they said the word: Bankruptcy

At the April board meeting that famous word that started rumors flying back in 2000, bankruptcy, has come around again. I wonder how Cal Mtg. feels about it, since they just gave KVHD their "last chance" deal? But you see that we could have handled this two years ago, obtained ARRA funds, brought on a CEO for at least 60 to 70 thousand dollars cheaper, got rid of the old guard on the board, and turned Beedle into the authorities, WE WOULD SURVIVE THIS DEPRESSION. Our chances are getting slimmer and slimmer, and complaints from patients and contractors, budget cuts, could sink this ship in less the a few months. You know what I think: Let it go...Don't bail it out which will help Chet Beedle retire happily back to Apple Valley and he can laugh his way out of this mess.

Why? Because this community played the fool for too long and now we are at the end. They bring on the attorney for what? They made the deal with Cal Mtg. and sold it to the people who don't understand the politics of healthcare. You bought it, now you live with it. That's not fair to those of us who only came here for a friendly neighbor hood doctor and healthcare to suddenly have to either pay more for less, or see it end completely. But...there are other answers, I put them on this blog. After Pam Ott was allowed to leave without handcuffs, she ruined Sierra Kings District hospital in Reedley, Ca, using money from their "supposedly protected" GOB, but even more awful, she took pension money from employees who will NEVER see their retirement money.

We did this to them, we owe Reedley money and an apology because the Kern River Valley refuses to take responsibility for it's actions. We have seen that with the hospital and the hellish High school. Nobody, not even the churches or politicians, can put humpty dumpty back together again. And unless there is a true investigation which would includes Chester N. Beedle, and piles of documents showing patterns of fraud and waste, that have lead to safety issues, cruelty to families of patients who died in the SNF, along with defamation of many different people, there will be no hospital.

Then the "Gross gang" rubbing it in, with the feeling that they will never be caught, they used all our $9000 dollars in "SHIP" monies giving it to one company for a strategic plan which I was told in an interview with "Philps" that had to be only positive in nature. (which is delusional and unrealistic, but hey they got the contract usingnthe hospitals' own grant money, which would be considered illegal as it wasn't offered to the other companies) Too little, too late, we have done a number of these plans and never has anyone, board, CEO, followed through. I asked Michael Philps how is he going to ensure that his 15,000 dollar contract will make any difference if the board doesn't follow through or even understand how to follow through? He said, that they would recommend that the board talk about strategic planning each month. Okay. But what did that expenditure do to help a hospital already lost at sea? Planning requires time and circumspection and you can't start planning for a disaster while you're in a distaster...Hello?

What's next? Is Marsha Smith going to buy the hospital too and save the valley? Is it Sunset time for the KRV?

If you ignored this blog and read the stories by the ass kissers at the Kern Valley Sun or didn't attend a KVHD meeting or didn't fill out a complaint form or didn't call the AG or OIG or DPH or the nursing board, or didn't write a "informed" letter to the editor, or call Jean Fuller or have a notion there was something wrong: then you probably won't be willing to serve your country either. We really don't need you, and you should be cut from the team/budget.

We're in trouble folks, and to hit the elderly, the children, the disabled, Education, and now our soldiers in harm's way, with all the cuts while some sit back in their recliners ignoring the responsibility of owning a democracy: what comes around goes around. No job is secure, no politican truthful, and no rural hospital worth "dying for."

Your government, your problem: An owner's manual

From "Pay it Forward" (Measure G) to "Play it Forward" (Measure up?)

Kern Valley Healthcare District keeps public behind fence...Stay out of our yard!

With a campaign for a 22.7 million dollar General Obligation bond, "Measure G" defeated and out of the picture...for now...the Kern Valley Healthcare District board meeting the day after the Nov. 2, 2010 election, was completely devoid of answers and or information.

The negative campaign which held some truth, they do need money, they are in default with the insurer of the "old debt," Cal Mtg., and they do plan on cutting staff to make up for the losses in their operations monies.

Murmurs through the community are that these "measures" which were, I don't know if I could call it discussed, as more threatened upon this community and its workforce, are to include staff cuts, disruption of services, and the closure of the Mt. Mesa Clinical pharmacy. (Though a report in early 2010 showed the pharmacy to be viable)

So far, I've only heard of employee hours cut, but other issues such as when January arrives there will be more of the same.

(I can hear the desparate managers now: "well, you may get your job back if we get that bond. We told you this was going to happen.")

Where's Cal Mtg. ?
 

Cal Mtg. hiding behind the CEO, Tim McGlew and CFO, Chet Beedle, have the ability to fire both of these administrators: but they too have things to hide and they have these two overpaid "executives" running interference.

February is "special election" month and with the numbers they saw, they figure they can obtain this money grab and soon.

From the pattern and materials of the conduct of Caldwell, Flores and Winters, the company which makes money selling your bonds, or more specifically your property tax "contributions, they prefer the focused elections. They helped Tehachapi get a third bond, but actually completing construction is not of their concern.

Residents of Tehachapi now pay for three bonds, which will one day, bring about a "great" hospital...if it ever gets built.

As we saw in the election McGlew and Beedle were all over town, when the two who live outside our area, yet put their names in the local paper endorsing their bond, "Measure G" which they cannot even vote for, don't have to pay for, made appearances with a story about a new ER.

I tried, asked, requested, begged to see some plans and never did. I was an estimator in my own plumbing business, so I know a bit about it. Now, what I heard, true or not, as they have shown us nothing to the contrary, that the new ER would be one bed less, and have a larger nurse and doctor lounge. Oh, and that bathroom.

Since it's difficult to understand all that has transpired, the debts, the responsibilities, the big government agency which has control over the federal government where somehow this hospital is prohibited from even considering bankruptcy. Nobody has bankrupted on Cal Mtg.

Personally I love a challenge

Let's stop talking history, the lessons are there for those who choose to understand, those who choose the information which seems most plausible, and those willing to give up their own raise to keep staff on hand, and those willing to fight the real enemy, the egregious error known as the "old debt."

Actually, the enemy is ourselves, we have allowed Pam Ott CEO, to literally get away with murder and springboard from our disaster to another disaster where she somehow got into pension funds employees will likely never see again. Their retirements.

They say nobody has ever done it

Good, because I like to do things that have never been done, especially if it is a good cause such as saving a hospital.

Cal Mtg. is not the monster they seem, they are bound by the same laws such as the constitution of the United states which allows bankruptcy. And the contractual gymnastics with the agreement that lead to a hospital unable to grow or function and continue to do the same things such as a GOB or cut staff, overpay employees, not monitor their own employees credentials: there's a scratch in the record, repetitive behaviors.

Who would gain or lose?

I don't think Tim McGlew would benefit from fighting for a community he doesn't live in. He has a great salary, good hours, and plans on getting that bond in the spring or Cal Mtg. would have already sprung him.

Chet Beedle can't leave, he left a trail.

Dr. Gross doesn't want to go into a potential bankruptcy which he says can't be done as he has a vested interest in his jobs and clinic.

Bob Jamison would be an effective fighter against Cal Mtg.: he's crafty, plays dirty, uses all his weapons, never shys away from stretching the truth. He could do it, but he would then have to eat a lot of words. The Jamison conundrum that he is, would vote in a tax increase, call himself a "tea partier" use a radio station for his own public agenda, yet not use his powers for the community.

Board Chairman, Victoria Alwin, apparently has little time to give to her job, as in five videos is Alwin complaining of not having enough time, needed to get out of there before two hours, implying that either she should not have run for office or change her schedule to accommodate the E ticket ride at KVHD. Alwin has seemed to turn into a politician, where in 2008, she "worked it" at the hospital and here in 2010, she whisks off as quickly as possible. So, no, she has no reason to fight.

Maybe the newly elected board member, David Derr, will want to try and at least research the situation, and possibly develop a strategy to put out the fire as he has been trained in firefighting.

Kathryn Knight has been the outspoken member of the board regarding a consultation with a law firm known for big projects such as the situation between Cal Mtg. and KVHD. The board and administrators never mentioned it, until this last meeting...

What has been stopping the progress?
 

There will be no fight unless the impediments are taken out of the way so this community, financially tied to the institution/district, have a say in the future for this valley. They already did in many ways.

The hospital missed ARRA monies, (unless there is a grant writer working at the hospital now, it's unlikely they will be able to get any of the leftovers from the professionals who knew, foresaw, warned this hospital about the need for these grant monies being hoisted out of the "Obama" machine) low cost loans, monies from the state during the budget crisis up to $750,000, telemedicine grants, complete electronic record...I could go on, but I think you get the point.

As the public sits on the other side of the fence only watching the show, jobs are quietly being threatened, but no word from those who were ELECTED TO SERVE.

The "Play it Forward" program

I had disseminated numerous recordings of the last meeting as the administrators the day before defending a CEO pay raise or even actually pay RATE, threatening destruction, tried to dodge the whole question of what are your plans now?

No real plan A, as the original numbers were 13, 17, 19 million which crept up to 22.7 by the time Measure G got to the ballot.

Plan B, from my vantage point is they will be showing us how bad it can get for Christmas, cutting jobs and hours, benefits, then coming through with some sort of architectural model for the "happy new year" sales pitch.

The employees are not victims, they have not got their footing yet. It's a slippery slope, and now is not the time to shiver and shake, it's time to deliver and quake. Your choices.

No Go

We are going to fight Cal Mtg. and we are going to win. But these people you will see below, your doctor, dietician, found the night following their loss of big money, to be a night to whisper and write notes to each other. Bizarre.

That is why I sent out copies of this particular meeting, as there will be others of course, but this demonstrated a weakness which will in and of itself take down the hospital if it is not stopped.

Your friends have the video, and they will watch and pass it on to the next and so forth. If you need a copy, I'm only a blog away.

KVHD Board member, Dr. Robert Gross DO, and Chairman, Victoria Alwin, chat and talk during the CEO report. They wrote notes back and forth, making a mockery of the "alleged" dire need for that 22.7 million the day before. (I think we all have a dream of 22.7 million, I think they have better odds if I buy them a lottery ticket)

When Gross and Alwin saw me spot the camera upon their professionally challenged display, they pulled away from each other. As soon as I moved the camera back on the CEO, McGlew, they immediately snuggled back up together. Don't they know about wide angle shots? See pix below.

The audience sharing it's concern about the negative campaign as well as the back up plan, sat quietly watching something I have never seen since the May 2007 board meeting where Pam Ott, and the "sticky three" (the previous ones), refused to answer questions: the side step.

At one point KVHD board member Kathryn Knight brought out the information that a specialist attorney had been consulted regarding negotiating the old debt. Not that any of us heard about this until recently when I got the information during the candidate forum.

We only heard what Chet Beedle and Tim McGlew said in regard to bankruptcy. Beedle, whose resume says he himself was able to run a reorganization, and McGlew who said he has run several construction projects, we have not heard from people outside of this inbred information, which runs wild and free most of the time. (even with the cameras)

Bradley Armstrong, a former EMT, who came onto the board of directors in 1988, the year they voted on their biggest mistake, creating a huge debt, and failing to fulfill the promise of a new, expanded hospital.

In the picture on the left Armstrong seemed to be amused that anyone would try something twice that failed: like going to Cal Mtg. and asking for a break as that agency is allowed to PROFIT from their business/government/agency. (by the way Measure G was the sixth GOB without sense)

He told me he went to Sacramento and it can't be done. Peals of laughter broke out. I told Armstrong, who took trips with public monies in 2000, that he had also gone to Nashville, so say the documents. His demeanor changed right after that.

Must be proud of his record here, 22 years of Armstrong, who knew of the nursing facility disaster, short staffing, the deaths, the credentials of Pam Ott, Chet Beedle, Tracy Brown: let's just say he's leaving behind a disaster with his name on it.

Beedle, looking grim, losing his basket of money, but willing to wait for help in February, gave us all a stir when his "bad debt" numbers suddenly plunged after the election. Last year, Beedle and McGlew blamed the community members for not "filling out charity forms" for the increased debt. Then they defended sending out three year old bills for as little as $8.

Now, at this meeting, McGlew tells us they have been saying all along, the reason they don't collect is to "HELP" the community. Not billing then taking property taxes is not exactly making sense to me here. I think they come out on top of that deal.

As McGlew ran through his list of items in his report such as the new "intubation" equipment they have on order and the lack of a doctor for the new telemedicine, it was apparent there was confusion, and even anger that the money, being counted on, would not hit the basket quite yet.

They are going to rest, scare some employees, layoffs, cut services, send out bills, freeze wages, but make sure Tim McGlew has enough money to make his car payments. (who are these board members representing the CEO or the publics money?)

So, play it forward, watch the videos those who want to see what all the talk is about, I think you will have the chance to understand. Action to take is what is next.

There will be much more to tell soon, but for now, as a member of the community, a potential patient of the hospital: "Houston they are the problem."

Waiting for the world to change...I'm using the express lane

"Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living."
Mother Jones

I guess this could be called a memorial for the fallen employees of KVHD. And most certainly for the people who trusted the hospital with their care and care for their loved ones.
Some employees just left before the gunshots were heard when former CEO, and main conspirator in the skilled nursing facility fiasco, Pam Ott resigned in May of 2007.
Ott knew she was cornered, the emails were flying, the Kern Valley Revitalization forum was rocking, and requested SNF manuals were flung out the CEO's door at me. (Whizzing just past my head I might add. Remember that Heidi?)
The newspaper was being pressured, as I was demanding information and answers from an arrogant "public healthcare district" not used to being put on the spot.

I told Ott, "I've got so many knives in my back, all you're hitting is metal," as she took shot after shot at me. The new mantra was that I was trying to take down the district. Just like the Knights.
Funny thing, people were biting on that crap like hungry trout.

Little did I know they were willing to sink to any level to protect themselves...
Well, she and the rest of her gang, took the biggest and best shot at me they could, right through the heart: the employees who knew me or about the SNF were fired, abused, mislead; and I cracked.
The day I took that missile they knew they had me. I dropped hard to the floor: the thud could be heard around the valley.
I cared about all the people who were helping in the initial investigation, who were taking care of their families, just trying to do their job, and these criminals didn't give a damn about anyone but themselves. It was the most dismal display of cover your own ass I have ever seen.
The shock of learning in the first place that people I thought I could trust were the very slime which was and is the rotten core of KVHD was tough enough. Then watching from the floor as they walked all over everyone, scapegoating as they went along, I knew I had to get back up, somehow.

There is a ninth inning, and I'm now up at bat. And I've got my Louisville Slugger with me. And I'm a great curveball hitter now too.
Before I came back in the game I made sure that everyone on my team never admitted to knowing me, liking me, or certainly talking to me.
(Actually, Chet Beedle, CFO, had the employees certain they were next on the hit list if they talked to me or about me. My wounds were not tended in the emergency room out of employee paranoia. I don't blame them, they were just trying to keep their jobs in a town where the hospital rates as number one employer.)
People in the community who have been my supporters were equally warned by me not to admit to knowing the likes of me. That way I get good information about what is really being said and going on. And I had to make sure I was covered and nobody got hurt, again.
Now, there's no more fooling around. Let me explain.
That's it!
When my parrot is out roaming she often finds some way to get into trouble. I correct her only so many times before the final words, "that's it."
She knows immediately I'm completely serious and her bad deeds will now come to an end: she gets a time out in her cage.
So, I'm telling you Beedle/Ott gang, I'm done correcting, "that's it."
If anyone thinks I'm not serious then you will be sideswiped. This last meeting was only a small taste of what I'm capable of and now you're going to have to just guess what's coming next.

And Pam Ott I'm not done with you either. I'll see you in court and hopefully at your own trial.
Our government oversight officials shouldn't count out some face time with me as I'm tired of writing and asking them to do what they are supposed to be doing. We will bring our cameras with us too. Pictures are just plain fun.

Don't forget this is a public healthcare district, and I plan on giving it back to the public, warts and all. (Former board member, JoAnn Jones, angry with me, said in an email: why don't you just use a match and burn it down. (The hospital.) JoAnn, did you not know about the advent of lighters? And I will use mine to light the fireworks only; ooh, pretty.)
First you clean the wound then you stitch it up otherwise you've got a puss problem. KVHD has a puss problem.
Does the new leadership have the back bone for this? There's some heavy lifting required.
People say, "Rome wasn't built in a day," and the grand canyon took years of natural erosion to create. I say, Rome was a "Pre-fab" and the grand canyon took a week with a Catepiller tractor.
I know there are so many of you out there "waiting for the world to change." I'm here to tell you I'm tired of waiting...

This may help explain things...

When I was about five years old, our family, my adopted mother and father, and my adopted sister and I took a road trip up the coast from Southern California up into Oregon and Washington.

On that journey we were to discover I could not read in the car without throwing up; that I had an allergy to bee stings; and I had a sudden fear of heights as my mother wanted me to look over a cliff to see some ground squirrels. (Put it on black and white film, add Betty Davis or Joan Crawford, and you'll understand the feeling I had being dangled over a cliff. It took me years of cliff climbing to get over that.)

I digress as usual. When we finally arrived, a bit haggard, in Oregon, we went to the Sequoia groves to see what my parents touted as the "biggest tree in the world."

The signs all around the park had information about how big the tree was. As it was dead, we got to go inside and walk around in the belly of the enormous tree.

Then it happens, my father, in an effort to probably just entertain me, as it's not Disneyland, its a tree, decides to tell me that the tree is bigger than our house.

I looked around the tree, measuring it against my image of the house and ask him, "do you mean taller or wider?"

He gave me a crooked answer, "both."

Then the argument started. I could not accept that it was taller, and really it didn't look wider either.

I'm sure he regretted ever saying that, because I could not let it go and our family vacation shifted into dozens of questions as to why he thought the tree was bigger than the house.

He tried to swat me several times as we made our way from this family outing back to the OC.

When I got home, the first thing I did, was go into the garage and get the tape measure off of my father's work bench.

He saw me do it, and tried to take the thing away from me, but I managed to slip away.

I struggled with the tape measure trying to get it all the way across the house only to find it wouldn't reach.

Possibly exasperation, or maybe a curiosity like mine, forced my father to come out and help me measure the house. We finally got it done, and he asked me if I was satisfied.

Then when we used the measurements to compare and the indeed I was correct, the tree was not as wide, only taller than our house.

I slept good that night.

I taught my father that if you're going to tell me something that doesn't compute, I could ruin your whole vacation.

And my father showed me he could have compassion and admit to being wrong, even with a five year old.

Oh, and yeah, I stopped by the KVHD board meeting for a few minutes to talk to the people regarding the answer to the question below.

Though my voice was garbled as I chewed on my Twizzlers which are helping me cut back on the smoking, I could be heard to have said to Bob Jamison, "If Pam Ott is indicted, will you take her up to your radio station and defend her again like you did three years ago."

I patiently waited for an answer. None came. He glared at me, but appeared to be shocked that I would ask. It's not like I haven't been talking about it.

Then I asked when did you know about what was going on in the skilled nursing facility?

My focus was the three bold faced liars, two who sit on the board probably collecting health insurance and free lunches, Bob Jamison, Brad Armstrong, and CFO, Chet Beedle.

Of all the things, the deceit, arrogance, hubris, all deficiencies of character, it boils down to how people were treated and how it effected their lives.

I briefly spoke with one former employee, sacked in the potato race, and she could hardly speak about it. Her life was shattered. The mere mention of KVHD brought her to tears.

Over and over I hear it, feel it, and I looked at those three in complete consternation of how they could be sitting there after all that has gone on.

Armstrong, the board member with the longest time put in on KVHD, 20 plus years. I put it to him about the millions of dollars, the construction, the utter stupidity.

And, I directly asked him when he knew about the problems in the skilled nursing facility. I said I guess it will take a lawyer to get it out of you.

Those clams were not coming out for the bake. But I didn't care, I just carried a message with me from all who have spoken to me, shared their stories, and it was direct.

I asked Armstrong how Pam Ott's credentials came past the board of directors and HR without a batting of an eye. Or maybe the batting of eyes, I don't know.

While setting some spines into Beedle, CEO, Tim McGlew, corrected me on a matter about the coroner's roll in the death certificate process. I like Tim, I like information.

The dentistry it took to get the documents I currently have was like pulling teeth every time a request was made. This was not just the hospital though. This goes right into the local public health where a familiar name, Linda Wilkinson, and a couple others, have not overtly refused to give me records, but just simply don't do anything about it.

I was supposed to be able to look over the DPH records from KVHD, set up an appointment, in April, a friend with good eyes and a car, and I were scheduled to go down to Bakersfield and get a gander at the records.

Suddenly, Wilkinson was out of town, according to her email. Requests now for even public documents under FOIA have been made unavailable.

I'm sure these people don't have the time or the effort to fulfill the legal requirements regarding "paperwork."

It's been an interesting road at best, watching and learning how the machinations of the government protect themselves. Yes, I said that.

And I've also made some very inflammatory remarks about suing the hospital this week. After one woman, whose father's death was a surprise, a lack of help from the hospital, she decided to go with an attorney. I don't know if she had one already, but I couldn't deny that relying on an attorney, would probably be better than waiting for this reporter with only so much time and access.

That topic could go on and on.

I left the board meeting right after I spoke, no cameras, no recordings.

Still wondering about many things...measure the house.

Dear KVHD/meeting 12/5/08

Good evening, KVHD Board of Directors.

It’s a new age for the district with two dedicated professionals taking their seats on this board tonight. They chose to take on this great responsibility of keeping the district growing and afloat. It won’t be easy and I thank you both.

But before we head to the bright new future there are things that have taken us off course in the past.

We cannot hide from these things nor can we ignore them.

I’m going to say now that yes, with definite back up from the department of justice, that there has indeed been an investigation into certain hospital staff.

Once again this hospital did not notify the press or the public when questioned about the investigation.

I will say that there are rules regarding the disclosure of such an investigation and the people and circumstances surrounding it.

However, what we heard repeatedly from the current chairman, was that this is all gossip and speculation, that there was no investigation.

Mr. Jamison, “No comment,” would have been a better choice rather than evasion.

But the chairman has done this before.

Let’s go back to 2007, when a legal notice appeared in the Bakersfield Californian, that our skilled nursing facility would be closed in July of that year.

Again we heard that it was all the dream of a reporter and her search for a smoking gun.

Prior to the threatened closure, the former CEO, had many excuses for what was going on.

First we had a shortage of CNA’s; next we were told there little problems with some tags; then we were told there was a change in the laws regarding restraints; then we just didn’t have a psychiatrist on staff; it then changed to having terrible employees and finally she flew the coop.

And Jamison, Armstrong, Casas, Beedle, and board attorney, Scott Nave, let this go on.

They heard her excuses but did nothing, but lie to our community.

They also knew about the CEO’s funny resume from a diploma mill, called Kennedy/Western University.

No human resources director of any worth would have hired someone with those non-credentials.

Then as the CEO stepped down, in came a company that handles problematic Skilled Nursing Facilities.

How did they get this company?

Well, the owner read the paper and handed a business card to the board and he was in.

Was that due diligence? That was like watching the barn burn and hoping the fire department might notice.

But the money paid to this company to possibly fix the problems is spectacular.

Not only did the district incur fines and penalties for its lack of leadership and professionalism, but added with the payroll for the new SNF, staff, the figures rolled up into a big wad of bills closing in on two million dollars.

Let’s just look at what that money could have paid for.

Regarding SB1953, the seismic program, requiring hospitals to upgrade the buildings for safety, that money could have been used to retrofit the acute care wing and allow the hospital until 2030 to finish. Now we’re writing letters begging for more time.

That money could be used to begin a building project for the ER which is a flood zone during the winter.

Or that money could have been designated toward retaining employees and keeping away from the nursing registrar which is another leak in the life raft.

But apparently there is still more money to spend, because current administration salaries are seeing increases from 7 to 19%. Wow.

Flashback to 2006 and Measure M, the bond measure which was to upgrade the hospital seismically.

We all now know that the 12.5 million the community was asked to pay on their property taxes, was not enough money for this project and the project was flawed anyway.

The former CEO admitted it herself in the newspaper that even had the district gotten the bond, they would still have to go back to the community for more. And we were even told that there was a cushion added to that amount.

Also with Measure M, there was a definite conflict of interest as this district had entered into a contract with a company called Rural Health Design Network. The owner’s husband owns the architectural firm that Armstrong, Jamison and Casas voted onto the defunct building project. The Knights voted against it

The architectural plans were a joke, a bad one; there was no room for these modular buildings so they randomly drew them theoretically on top of an old septic system with leach lines. We paid for that.

Now for Brown Act Violations. The Brown act is a list of laws that boards such as this one, have to follow.

I have at least two emails I turned over to the board attorney, (point here) regarding the former, sticky three, board members and there reign of power.

They would cancel a meeting if they didn’t have the majority.

They did not want the two other board members, Bob and Kay Knight, to vote and possibly change what they had already decided amongst themselves.

But the harassment of the Knights by Mr. Jamison, putting up blogs on his radio website degrading them, was so far out of line its unreal.

I have many emails and audio tapes with slanderous content regarding the Knights. They were blamed for everything from the lack of morale of the employees, to actual robbery of computers at a former CEO’s house.

And it didn’t end there.

When the administration heard criticism from one of their long time employees, they actually went out of their way to undermine this person and his assistant.

One of these same employees was vilified and slandered on Mr. Jamison’s talk show a few days before the election.

It is unethical at the least for a public official to go on the air and begin a diatribe about an employee of the district he serves.

I certainly hope this employee takes some action.

The laws governing this district seem to be bent and broken wherever you look.

For instance, privacy laws, called HIPAA.

The radiologist for the hospital often times reads scans and x-rays while attending meetings. That’s illegal. Doesn’t the board or the board attorney understand this?

And a board member, last year, disclosed personal, private health information to a stranger, without batting an eye. It’s on tape.

Finally, thank god, there is a new beginning here. I’m hopeful and happy.

(Well, that was earlier this year, as I thought there might have been a change. And there was. Rick Carter left us, opening the door for a possibly effective, intelligent, leader, in the new CEO, Tim McGlew. Mr. McGlew, so far has shown himself to be concerned, busy, and administrating. What a great idea. Have the CEO actually run the hospital. Thank you, Mr. McGlew, and I hope we have many good years together. The past must be adjudicated, and the hospital will be getting more and more press as the pressure cooker heats up. But once past this, we can be assured that we all understand this will never happen here again. I don't care who you are and why you looked away, but trust me, this will never happen again.)

Kern Valley Healthcare District update: Tracy Brown and three contractors leave unexpectedly

As we have already reported, on Friday July 24, Tracy Brown, and three other contractors left the KVHD skilled nursing facility, without notice, according to hospital CEO, Tim Mcglew.

Tracy Brown, who was contracted as the Nursing Home Administrator, Fidel Morgadez, who was contracted for medical SNF medical records services, Beth Clark RN, and Nolan Stewart contracted for SNF recreational services, left together a week ago Friday, July 24.

Because of the sudden departure of the contractors, with no notification to administration or staff in the nursing center, the CEO said he has reported the incident.

"In response to your questions, the incident has been reported as required to the appropriate agency"

In an email response, the CEO stated he is also gathering information on other possible types of recourse regarding the abandonment of the nursing center.

Although originally reported that the four were contracted under the company name Quality Healthcare Asset Management, I have been corrected by KVHD that they all were contracted individually and not through the company.

As I had been researching the SNF administrator, Tracy Brown, the company, Quality Healthcare Asset Management, contained Brown's services and credentials as well as the other contractors named above.

A search through the California Secretary of State's website, showed that Quality Healthcare Asset Management became a limited liability company in June of 2008, one month after Tracy Brown and the other contractors signed on in May 2008 with the KVHD SNF.

Brown, originally arrived in 2007, with Sycamore Asset Management, and worked under their contract for year when the company parted ways with the hospital.

Brown then signed on separately with KVHD along with the three contractors, in May of 2008.

There are more questions regarding these contracts and hopefully I can get some answers at the monthly board meeting, this Wed. Aug. 5, at 5:30 pm in the hospital cafeteria.

Also, I reported that the Director of Nursing, Jeanette Maker, left on Friday along with Brown and the other contractors. Maker had also given her notice that she would be leaving in August.

According to the CEO's secretary, when asked if Maker was a part of Tracy Brown's "group," she said she believed Maker was converted from traveling nurse to employee. She wasn't completely sure and promised to get the exact information.

Although Maker left the same time as Brown, she was reported to have returned to work on Monday July 27, but left again due to illness.

There are many more questions which need to be answered regarding this situation, and I will update as more information comes in.

The contracts are shown below, click on each to open and read.














Next up: It's the monthly board meeting time again...a preview

"Quaff oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore." (Poe, The Raven)

Yes, archaic title, yet meaningful, but I wanted to let you know that we are working right now on the story of the meeting, pictures and all. Really, we are. Later. No, now.

Here's your preview:

Pink Ladies tell new CEO and CCO, that they have issues with the kind of use of volunteers in the skilled nursing facility. They said they complained to the former SNF administrator and former CEO, Rick Carter, for more than a year, but were never heard.

Board member, Brad Armstrong, suggested a "liaison" between the new CEO and Pink Ladies once a month.

However, CEO, Tim Mcglew, tells the Pink Ladies, he needs to hear about any problems, immediately, not a month from now.

(That's what we need to hear from the new administration. I will elaborate on the fact that Armstrong was alerted early as chairman of the board in 2006 of serious problems in the nursing facility, but never acted.)

And the pharmacy has become a bitter pill to swallow, as CFO Chet Beedle, explains the our pill dispensing outlet, Mt. Mesa Clinical Pharmacy, is on a COD basis with the wholesaler.

Both Beedle and McGlew explained that the pharmacy will stay open, but people might want to call first as certain prescriptions may not be available immediately, or even at all.

I will elaborate and get some feedback from our other local pharmacies as well.

Our new Chief Clinical Officer, Cynthia Burciagagammallamamcschmidt, (sorry, I couldn't help it, I read the Kern Valley Sun) Cynthia Burciaga, has apparently dove in feet first into the skilled nursing center as the former consultants, including Nursing Home Administrator, Tracy Brown, sped off two weeks ago without notice.

Burciaga's report was extensive as many changes are being considered and new projects are starting up for the residents. More details...

McGlew, who will now be in charge of both hospital and SNF, said he is bringing in Beta group to take a look at the way the nursing facility is being run and to make suggestions, which will not cost the hospital money, as the company has an interest as they provide the hospital insurance coverage.

The CEO said he wanted another "set of eyes" to look at things in the much maligned nursing facility.

I'll try again to reach Beta group and get some general feedback, but honestly, I think I made them angry as I have complained bitterly that Dr. Pormir and Debbi Hayes were not insured when they were indicted by the state for problems with the SNF.

Though the board voted to insure the two long time employees, the insurance carrier would not pay for their legal costs because the indictments are criminal. (But former CEO, Pam Ott, only cited in a civil case, has the backing of the company. I don't know, I think my concern here is legitimate, and we will be getting more into this as the preliminary hearings begin this month in the criminal trials. Our camera will be there.)

On a promising, positive note, there is definite improvement in the way the administration has acted to the public, allowing questions and comments, and speaking directly of transparency due a public entity, such as the Kern Valley Healthcare District. Kudos.

The rest of the story and pics to come soon, later, tomorrow. I'm hungry, I'm going to get something to eat. I mean, I'm hungry for work, let me go back to it.

Shock and Awe campaign: first pix of meeting

Oh, god, here she comes...she's really going to do it...



It wasn't pretty, it wasn't pleasant, but sometimes you have to say it to their faces. Dr. Gross and Kay Knight look on as Bob Jamison is chastised, soundly.
Shooting at the two board members and CFO from a blog was no longer good enough. The three felt too safe as words were rolling off their tough exteriors.



New, CEO, Tim McGlew, at his first board meeting watching, board members, Bob Jamison and Brad Armstrong, and CFO, Chet Beedle being told they are unethical and should be in jail.
Sorry Mr. McGlew you didn't need that at your first meeting. But it was going to happen at some point.

New Chief Clinical Officer, Cynthia Burciaga, looks on as strong accusations are put on the hospital record by me concerning the leftover gang from the skilled nursing disaster.

I'm sure this was not the meeting she expected either. But one must know what they're stepping into to be able to make correct moves forward.

CFO, Chet Beedle, who has made it a habit of paying out large sums of money on contracts and his resistance to giving straight answers to questions regarding finance.
Beedle also attacked employees in an effort to push a general obligation bond while the SNF residents were not getting any oversight. He is still here with a 12% raise. I protest.

Bob Jamison gives me his best answer after I question his threats, slander, sexual harassment, and brighten his day with the litany of things he has done to harm the district and the people working there.

That message was not subconscious, Bob.




Though none of the three had any response, the accusations I've made are now on the record.
Personally, I wish it had not come to this, but they decided to stay on and continue to behave the way they have in the past, so I will stay and make sure to remind them every meeting why they shouldn't be there. And next time I may decide to keep it within the three minutes.
The meeting was not much of a story, but there are more pics to come.
Believe it or not.