Mar. 1, 2020 11:55a
(WGTD)---Froedtert South's decision to close the critical care unit at the former Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center and divert heart patients to Froedtert Pleasant Prairie is expected to come under scrutiny at Kenosha city hall Monday night.
A resolution protesting the move is expected to be considered first by the Finance Committee at 6 then by the full City Council at 7.
The resolution was introduced by Ald. Curt Wilson. It asks that full services be restored.
Back in late January, WGTD, quoting Jim Poltrock, Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the Kenosha Fire Dept., said that the fire department received a request from Froedtert to start transporting all patients with heart issues to the former St. Catherine's Hospital, located six miles from Kenosha Hospital, now known as Froedtert Pleasant Prairie. Poltrock said it was his understanding that the level of Emergency Room care at the Kenosha facility would not be affected by the closing of the CCU.
Froedtert media relations never returned WGTD's phone calls.
Wison's resolution states that Froedtert's moves seem to run contrary to the hospital's long-standing mission of providing "superior and compassionate patient service." At one point, the 110-year-old hospital was home to the first Michael DeBakey Heart Institute. During his long career, DeBakey pioneered various cardiac-related surgical procedures.
The resolution also notes that a full-service hospital at that location will be needed even more in the future, what with an anticipated "great expansion" of residential growth in the downtown area.
In addition, the resolution questions whether the delay in transporting patients out to Pleasant Prairie will be detrimental to their care and recovery. It also notes the potential impact of rail crossings and the pending reconstruction of Highway 50.
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