A new Jefferson City group, “A Coalition for Choice” was formed last month in response to a proposal from MU Health care to purchase St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City. The group say’s its’ focal purpose is to fight against monopolies within Mid-Missouri health care as well as to give consumers a choice in their own health care. Connie Farrow, the group’s spokesperson, gave insight on the root of the coalition’s existence.
“As more voices were expressed of concern in the community, it was decided to form this coalition. We have had interest expressed from more than 100 individuals in the community. That includes everyone from nurses and physicians and retirees and citizens and employers who all come together to make sure that Jefferson City has two hospitals in place,” Farrow said.
Although the members of community have stated their concerns of losing a local hospital, both MU Health and St. Mary’s Hospital-Jefferson City have made statements of their hopes to better the community.
“MU Health Care is committed to improving access to affordable, quality care for all those we serve. Transferring ownership of St. Mary’s Hospital-Jefferson City and St. Mary’s Hospital-Audrain to MU Health Care will allow us to better integrate the care provided within these communities to ensure patients have access to a full continuum of care and the advanced clinical services of a premier academic health system close to home.”
St. Mary’s Hospital also issued a statement saying it is still in conversation with MU Health Care, and that the move would help better serve people in rural areas.
With the coalition existing only for a few weeks, the members of this non-profit organization encourage members of the community to contact lawmakers in order to oppose the sale of St. Mary’s hospital.