THE PUBLIC MIND: APPRECIATES COOPERATION ON HEALTH CARE

To the Editor:

Congratulations! The SEMO Business group on Health offers our sincerest congratulations to the Board of Directors of both hospitals, Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center, for the efforts put forth to collaborate together. We believe that this will certainly be a plus for the communities of Southeast Missouri. Since its inception in May of 1990, the goal of the Business Group on Health clearly remains: To maintain quality healthcare at affordable costs while maintaining mutual respect among all parties, striving to bring about positive reform in the healthcare delivery system. We believe that the achievement of this goal will improve the quality of life not only for our employees and their families, but all citizens of Southeast Missouri.

Certainly, any positive moves by the hospitals to cooperate, collaborate, contain costs, strengthen & build upon existing services and eliminate duplication of efforts while maintaining quality services, will definitely enhance the efforts already in motion by the eighty-seven Business Group member companies. Twenty-six of these companies are health care providers. The healthcare community has been extremely cooperative and helpful to the business community with their time, efforts and continuing input. We believe we have been helpful in return.

We, once again, offer our assistance and give our while hearted support to the hospital's continued efforts. We look forward to future reports and positive results from this collaboration. Please call on us at anytime, the door has always been open.

Mary Dunn

Executive Director

Southeast Missouri

Business Group on Health