To The Editor:
Last month I received an email from Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) explaining why they have to consolidate and close some primary care locations. They claimed these decisions and several others are the hardest they've ever had to make. This email stated that for FY2025 the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) directed CVMC to cut $16.2 million in revenue, requiring them to make equivalent reductions in expenses. I guess I'm confused, I always thought revenue was a good thing!
Several years ago, a friend of mine needed knee replacement surgery. He went to Copley Hospital where the surgeon used a 3D printer to exactly duplicate the knee joint. It wasn't long afterwards, the GMCB ordered Copley to stop doing so many joint replacements because they were taking patients away from University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC) hospitals. My question then was: "Why don't all these other hospitals use 3D printers?" I have nothing against UVMC or CVMC. I have been to their hospitals for all my surgeries for the past 36 years and have no complaints.
If you have been following The Valley Reporter, you know that Mad River Family Practice has over 600 people on a waiting list and Waterbury Family Medicine has a 550-person waiting list. So, sending patients from Waitsfield to Waterbury won't happen, will it? The Op/Ed in the January 2 Valley Reporter from the Mad River Valley Health Center board, shows what they are up against with CVMC. They can't get a positive answer to any of their questions.
Asked about using the second story at the MRV Health Center, CVMC stated they wanted to be on one floor. What about the old Howard Bank location on Main Street? The building is in town and is one story. If it could be staffed properly, we may have enough space between the two clinics to handle our 600-person waiting list. I was always told, “You have to spend money to make money." I just found out recently, that the Mad River Family Practice will remain open until October of this year when the current lease expires. At least now CVMC should have enough time to make things right.
Larry Corthell
Waitsfield
