RNs Voice Concerns Over Insight Health's Management of Hazel Hawkins

Hazel Hawkins Nurses Express Concerns Over Potential Insight Health Partnership

In Hollister, California, registered nurses at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital are raising alarms about a proposed lease-to-purchase agreement with Insight Health. The nurses plan to voice their concerns at the upcoming San Benito Health Care District meeting on Thursday, February 27, as announced by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU).

The skepticism stems from Insight's financial management track record. Insight Chicago, an affiliate of the health organization, reportedly incurred a $57.9 million loss within three years of assuming control of a Chicago hospital in 2021. During this period, Insight Management collected over $29.4 million in fees from the same financially troubled facility.

A detailed investigation by The American Prospect highlighted multiple legal issues and allegations of unethical practices against Insight. A former hospital administrator heavily criticized the company, stating, “Dollar signs are what Insight sees. They do not know how to run a hospital and they don’t care that they don’t know.”

Registered nurse Sonia Duran emphasized the necessity for patient-first principles, stating, “We know what it takes to care for our community ... Patients should not be left wondering whether their local hospital will be safely staffed in the years to come or whether service lines will be eliminated.” Nurses are urging any future management to commit to delivering top-tier healthcare services.

Event Details:

Who: Registered nurses from Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

What: Public address at San Benito Health Care District Meeting

When: Thursday, February 27, 5:00 p.m.

Where: Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, 911 Sunset Dr., Hollister

Location: Support Services Building, 2nd Floor Great Room

The nurses have outlined several demands, including:

• Cap on Management Fees: Insight Health's management fees should not exceed 6% of net patient revenue. Any profits generated during the five-year lease should be reinvested into the hospital. This suggestion arises from 2022 tax filings indicating that 14% of a Chicago hospital's patient care revenue was directed towards Insight’s management fees, totaling over $12 million, despite the hospital suffering a $7 million loss that year.
• Maintenance of Medical Service Lines: The contract must ensure the continuation of essential services, including 24-hour emergency, intensive care, labor and delivery, surgical, and women's health services.
• Establishment of a Community Advisory Board: This board, appointed by the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, will oversee hospital operations, ensuring legal, regulatory, and contractual adherence. The board should consist of at least five members, including healthcare professionals.
• Implementation of a Financial Assistance Program: Insight Health should provide a financial assistance policy, with staff trained to inform patients and families about its availability. Information should be accessible in Spanish and English both on-site and online.
• Charity Care Program: A charity care program, maintaining an average of 1% of operating revenue, should be visible and promoted bilingually throughout the hospital and its materials.

The California Nurses Association represents over 135 registered nurses at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.

The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is a leading union and professional association of registered nurses, boasting more than 100,000 members across over 200 facilities in California and over 225,000 RNs nationwide.

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