It took UPMC only three months to close a community based hospital that had been in operation for over 100 years. In 1996, when UPMC purchased Braddock Hospital, did the residents of Braddock have any idea of the demise that would follow?
Braddock, a struggling post steel mill community composed of elderly, low income, and African American residents, utilized the community hospital not only as a source of health care but as a community center. Braddock Hospital, the newest building in the community, also served as a place to get a hot meal in the cafeteria and had the town's only ATM. It also was the community’s largest employer. The building was slated for demolition in order to build shops and restaurants.
UPMC, a non-profit organization, promises in its mission statement to provide health care to those in need, not to refer them to a bus schedule to travel to a sister hospital.
UPMC (Unbelievable Promises, Monopolized Care) continues to dictate health care while providing million dollar bonuses to their CEO and administrators. They do this by purchasing facilities only to close them, building multi-million dollar facilities near other non-UPMC facilities, purchasing physician practices, and providing care based on the type of insurance the patient carries.
Decreased census and increased operating expenses have been cited as reasons for the closure of Braddock Hospital. But, if you close the obstetric and oncology units your census will certainly decrease. They also did not include the number of admissions to behavioral health, alcohol, and drug detoxification beds. Braddock was said to have a 69% occupancy rate, which was above standards. Former employees and patients stated they were directed to transfer patients to another UPMC facility regardless of the need.
Traveling to another UPMC facility is not always feasible for the elderly, or those on a fixed income with no means of transportation except for public transportation. If one is sick enough to go to the hospital or emergency room because of an injury or bleeding should they have to wait on the street corner for a bus and make transfers before reaching the hospital. Not every hospital visit necessitates an ambulance and many cannot afford to pay for an ambulance for non-life threatening situations. Would an UPMC official have his family take numerous buses to the hospital? These people probably have physicians waiting for them and their own private rooms.
Despite public outcry and lawsuits the residents of Braddock have received little conciliation. They did receive minimal satisfaction in a civil rights injunction; an agreement was reached that provided van service to doctor's offices in the area for an additional three years. But they still have no local facility to receive health care.
Yes, healthcare has become a business where the elite profit (like the steel mills before their closure and UPMC) and those in need continue to be the victims of circumstance (like the community of Braddock).
