Ohio Representative Jennifer Brady Builds Relationship with St. John West Shore Hospital

Ohio Representative Jennifer Brady recently visited St. John West Shore Hospital to discuss state budget proposals regarding healthcare and to learn more about St. John West Shore Hospital’s vital role in the community. Brady, District 16, serves on the newly created Healthcare Access and Affordability Standing Committee.

St. John West Shore Hospital Interim President Cliff J. Coker and Robin Bachman, Director of Public Policy at the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine Health System, thanked Representative Brady for supporting a 3.3 percent Medicaid inpatient update for hospitals and expanding Medicaid to children and pregnant women. They also discussed other issues involving healthcare and the state budget.

St. John West Shore Hospital and the Ohio Hospital Association advocate an amendment that will provide a 4 to 6 percent increase in funds provided to urban hospitals classified as Level I, II, and III Trauma Centers.

"The Ohio Hospital Association is calling for the creation of a special state fund that will help preserve verified trauma centers in Ohio," said Bachman, who encouraged Brady to support the amendment. "Maintaining access to trauma care is vitally important and hospitals are heavily subsidizing these units. This fund will provide some financial relief to these hospitals, including St. John West Shore Hospital."

The Ohio Hospital Association estimates that at least 4 million state dollars for each year of the biennium is needed for supplemental payments to Ohio's trauma centers.

"The Ohio budget has a large impact on the work we do," said Bachman.

The Ohio Hospital Association and St. John West Shore Hospital are also advocating an amendment that assures that Medicaid payment rates of obstetrical services are sufficient to assure the continued operation of the services by rural hospitals, as well as an amendment that would provide funds to critical access hospitals that provide inpatient and outpatient services to Medicaid recipients.

Representative Brady, who is on her first term, enjoyed a tour led by SJWS Manager of Corporate Services Andrew Dominick. During the tour, Dominick stressed the hospital's faith-based focus and the importance of meeting and exceeding patient expectations. Brady was impressed with the dedication and quality of care delivered by the hospital staff. She hopes to return one day soon to the hospital and continue with her discussions with staff on ways in which to improve healthcare as well as have an opportunity to meet additional hospital employees, medical staff and volunteers.

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