One consequence of the consolidation might be that certain medical
services (such as obstetrics) might be offered at only one hospital at some
point in the future. The hospitals say they do not anticipate any layoffs,
although some employees might be reassigned.
In light of Dan Kemmis' comments about hospitals' role in creating
healthy communities, it might be interesting for someone from this list
to attend one of these meetings and raise questions about how this
merger will affect the two communities. (Anyone interested in this topic
is welcome to borrow my copy of Dan's book and read the chapter on
health.)
Kenton