maryland...2020/04/16  · to: pollak m.d., andrew subject: um hmh hello dr. pollak, i am a...

Subject:FW:UMHMHFrom:"PollakM.D.,Andrew"<Apollak@som.umaryland.edu>To:"BenSteffen-DHMH-(ben.steffen@maryland.gov)"<ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Wednesday,April15,202011:32:22AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Wednesday,April15,202011:32:25AMGMT-04:00Attachments:winmail.dat

FYI–

From:SandyWorthington<sworthington27@aol.com>Sent:Wednesday,April15,202011:27AMTo:PollakM.D.,Andrew<Apollak@som.umaryland.edu>Subject:UMHMH

HelloDr.Pollak,

IamalifelongHarfordCountyresident.IwasbornatHarfordMemorialHospital.IamalsoaRegisteredNursewhohasworkedattheUniversityofMarylandMedicalCenterinBaltimoreforover26years.IhavealwaysbeenopposedtothedecisiontocloseUMHarfordMemorialHospital.TheideaofclosingitandopeningaFreestandingMedicalFacilitywithonlyEmergency/ObservationbedsandBehavioralHealthbedsisnotinthebestinterestoftheresidentsofHarfordCountyortheStateofMaryland.

ThestateofMarylandisre-openingclosedhospitalsandhasbuiltemergencyfieldhospitals.UMMCispartneringwiththeLordBaltimoreHoteltoplacepatientsthereduringthe“surge”.

Weareamidstoneoftheworstglobalhealthcriseswehaveeverfaced,andtheMarylandHealthCareCommissionwantstoholdavotetodeterminetheclosureofoneoftheonlytwohospitalsinHarfordCounty,Maryland.Thisvotecouldmakeourworstfearsarealityattheworstpossibletime.

IamawarethattheywillbeaskingforaCertificateofNeedtoputadditionalbedsattheUMUpperChesapeakeMedicalCenter.ConsideringthatweareinthemidstoftheCOVID-19pandemic,andthesurgeincriticallyillpatientsthatMarylandhospitalsareexperiencing,IfeelthattheactionsonchangingtheCertificateofNeedshouldbeplacedonhold.Theclosingof1ofthe2hospitalsinHarfordCountyshouldbedeferreduntilafterthispandemicisover.TheUnitedStateshasfastlearnedthatwedonothaveenoughICUbeds.Wedonothaveenoughnegativepressureroomsforpatientstobeonisolation.WearecancelingsurgeriessothatwecanhavebedsandventilatorsavailablefortheCOVID-19patients.HarfordCountyneedstokeepasecondfreestanding,fullservicehospital.WedonotneedaglorifiedEmergencyRoom.ThenumberofpatientsthatneedsBehavioralHealthissky-rocketing.PatientssitinthehospitalfordaystoweeksawaitingabedatanInpatientPsychfacility.We,asaNation,needtolearnfromthisCOVID-19pandemic,andmakeimprovementsinourHealthcaresystemsothatwearebetterpreparedintheeventofanotherpandemicsuchasthisone.

Pleasere-considerkeepingHarfordMemorialHospitalasafullservicehospital.Attheveryleast,pleaseholdoffonmakinganyrashdecisionsatthistime.

Thankyoukindlyforyourtime.

Sincerely,

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SandraWorthington305AvatarCt.HavredeGrace,MD21078<x-apple-data-detectors://0/1>

SentfrommyiPhone

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Subject:PleaseremoveItem5fromyourApril16AgendaFrom:WandaBoker<wandaboker@gmail.com>To:Ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Wednesday,April15,202011:17:41AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Wednesday,April15,202011:17:55AMGMT-04:00

DirectoroftheMarylandHealthCareCommissionBenSteffen;

HealthcareinMarylandmustprioritizeaccessibleandqualityhealthcareforpeopleovertheprofitsofstockholders.IfthereisanythingconstructivecomingoutoftheCovid-19pandemicit'stheopportunitytoaddresstheundeniabledangersofourdysfunctionalhealthcaresystemwhichsimplywasn'tdesignedtoserveallpeoplewhoneedit.

Weareinthemiddleofahealthpandemic,alreadystrugglingwithalackofPPE,equipment,medicalstaffandhospitalbedstomeetourrisingneeds.ItisinconceivablethattheMHCCplanstowasteprecioustimeevendiscussingtheclosureofoneofonlytwohospitalsinHarfordCountyduringthismomentofcrisis.

AsacitizenofHavredeGraceIimploreyoutopostponeanydiscussionofclosureuntilwehavegottenthroughthispandemicandhaveacomprehensivelessons-learnedstudytoasseshowtoresponsiblystrengthenourstate'shealthcarepreparednessforthenexthealthcrisis,includinghowbesttoservethepeopleofHavredeGraceandsurroundingareaswhorelyonourlocalhospital.

Sincerely,WandaBoker

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Subject:UrgentRequestFrom:ResaLaird<resal@havredegracemd.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Wednesday,April15,202010:25:02AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Wednesday,April15,202010:25:16AMGMT-04:00Attachments:MayorMartin'sLettertoBenSteffen.pdf,GovernorHogan.pdf,LettertoHCDel.Exec.CC.pdf

DearMr.Steffen,

I'veattachedthreeveryimportantlettersfromMayorMartinaddressingaveryurgentmatter.

TheMayorrespectfullyrequestsyourconsideration.

Withrespect,

ResaLairdExecutiveAssistanttotheMayor410-939-1800x1138Resal@havredegracemd.com

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Subject:DiscussiononclosingHarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:rochellekeen<rkeen17@msn.com>To:"ben.steffen@maryland.gov"<ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Wednesday,April15,20209:35:05AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Wednesday,April15,20209:35:07AMGMT-04:00

IamwritingtoexpressdeepconcernandoutragethatthediscussiononclosingHMHisproceedingatallmuchlessinthemidstoftheCOVID-19pandemic.ThisisavitalmedicalfacilityforthecitizensofHavredeGraceandthesurroundingarea.Muchoftheelderlypopulationincludingmyownparents,auntsandunclesrelyontheservicesofthishospitalthatisonly5-10minutesfromtheirhome.ItisatremendousburdenonthemtohavetotraveleventoUpperChesapeakeMedicalCenterinBelAirforcertainprocedures.

IwillechothesentimentofMayorBillMartininhislettertoGovernorHogan."WeaskyoutoimmediatelyintercedebyExecutiveOrderandstopthisaction,andtodemandthatanyreviewoftheUMUCH'sapplicationbedeferreduntilsuchtimeasthestateofMarylandcanrevisitthecriteriausedforclosingsuchacriticalacutecarefacilityinHarfordCounty,"Martinwrote."Wepassionatelyarguethatnow,inthemiddleofapandemic,isthewrongtimetomakesuchimportantandpermanentdecisions!"

Thisisshortsightedandillthoughtoutandshouldbestopped!!

Regards,

RochelleKeen

IndependentTechnologyConsultingmobile717.989.2493rkeen17@msn.comMedicalDevice.ProductDevelopment.ClinicalTrials.Marketing

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:EdGarono<egarono@gmail.com>To:Ben.Steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Tuesday,April14,20202:26:57PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Tuesday,April14,20202:27:10PMGMT-04:00

AsaHarfordCounty,HavredeGraceresidentIamaskingtheMHCCtoremoveitem5,UniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility,fromtheMHCCApril16thagenda.

Thisisthewrongtimetobemakingsuchanimportantdecision.Wherewillourcommunitygoforacutehealthcareneeds?

IhavegonetomanymeetingsaboutthisandIamtotallyagainstclosingthishospital.

Sincerely,EdwardL.Garono908S.WashingtonStreetHavredeGrace,Maryland21078

410-688-3707--

ForSecurityandprivacypurposesaswellasprotectionagainstspamandviruses,I’maskingyounottoforwardthisemailwithouteditingoutmyemailaddress(From…)andanynames,emailaddresses,headersandcommentaryfromallotherforwardersthatappearintheemail,andtouseBCC…,ratherthanTO…,foraddressingmultiplerecipientstowhomyoumaybeforwardingthisemail.Yourhonoringthisrequestwillbegreatlyappreciated!

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:KarenGarono<karen.garono@gmail.com>To:Ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Tuesday,April14,20202:19:09PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Tuesday,April14,20202:19:21PMGMT-04:00

IamaskingtheMHCCtoremoveitem5,UniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility,fromtheMHCCApril16thagenda.

IamaHavredeGraceresidentandhavegonetomanymeetingsabouttheclosingofourhospitalandIamagainstthisaction....DidwecloseJohnsHopkinsbecauseitwasoldandoutdated...no,wemadeitbetteranditisfamous...

Thisisthewrongtimetobemakingsuchanimpactfulcommunitydecision.Wherewillthecommunitygoforacutehealthcareneeds?

So,removeitem5fromtheMHCCagendaonApril16,2020.

Sincerely,KarenGarono908S.WashingtonStreetHaverdeGrace,MD21078

--KarenGaronoCell:4106883626Fax:Email:karen.garono@gmail.comWebsite:www.edgarono.com

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Subject:Covid-19andMHMHFrom:CallieYaeger<callie.yaeger@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Tuesday,April14,202010:44:32AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Tuesday,April14,202010:44:45AMGMT-04:00

MarylandHealthCareCommissionBenSteffen,ExecutiveDirector

TheMarylandHealthCareCommissionhasjustannouncedameetingforApril16,2020.ImaginethesurprisewhenIlearneditem#5isUpperChesapeakeHealth–ReconfigurationofHospitalFacilitiesandServicesinHarfordCounty

A.ACTION:RequestforExemptionfromCertificateofNeedReview–ConversionofUniversityofMarylandHarfordMemorialHospitaltoaFreestandingMedicalFacility(DocketNo.17-12-EX004)

NowduringthisglobalCovid-19pandemicandthefactthatMarylandhasnotreachedthepeakinthecurve,theGovernorisre-openingclosedhospitalfacilitiesandcreatingemergencyfieldhospitalswhatistherushinmovingforwardontheclosingoneofthetwohospitalsinHarfordCounty?

InlightofthecurrentstateoftheCovid-19pandemic,thesurgeofcriticallyillandtheunknownconsequencesthispandemicmayhaveonthephysicalstructureofhealthcaredelivery,IamopposedtothecurrentreviewofUMUHC'scertificateofneedapplicationatthistime.

ThankYou,CallieYaegerHavredeGrace,Maryland

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Subject:UMHarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:sworthington27@aol.comTo:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Monday,April13,20206:09:41PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Monday,April13,20206:09:43PMGMT-04:00

Hello,IamalifelongHarfordCountyresident.IwasbornatHarfordMemorialHospital.IamalsoaRegisteredNursewhohasworkedattheUniversityofMarylandMedicalCenterinBaltimoreforover26years.IhavealwaysbeenopposedtothedecisiontocloseUMHarfordMemorialHospital.TheideaofclosingitandopeningaFreestandingMedicalFacilitywithonlyEmergency/ObservationbedsandBehavioralHealthbedsisnotinthebestinterestoftheresidentsofHarfordCountyortheStateofMaryland.ThestateofMarylandisre-openingclosedhospitalsandhasbuiltemergencyfieldhospitals.UMMCispartneringwiththeLordBaltimoreHoteltoplacepatientsthereduringthe“surge”.Weareamidstoneoftheworstglobalhealthcriseswehaveeverfaced,andtheMarylandHealthCareCommissionwantstoholdavotetodeterminetheclosureofoneoftheonlytwohospitalsinHarfordCounty,Maryland.Thisvotecouldmakeourworstfearsarealityattheworstpossibletime.IamawarethattheywillbeaskingforaCertificateofNeedtoputadditionalbedsattheUMUpperChesapeakeMedicalCenter.ConsideringthatweareinthemidstoftheCOVID-19pandemic,andthesurgeincriticallyillpatientsthatMarylandhospitalsareexperiencing,IfeelthattheactionsonchangingtheCertificateofNeedshouldbeplacedonhold.Theclosingof1ofthe2hospitalsinHarfordCountyshouldbedeferreduntilafterthispandemicisover.TheUnitedStateshasfastlearnedthatwedonothaveenoughICUbeds.Wedonothaveenoughnegativepressureroomsforpatientstobeonisolation.WearecancelingsurgeriessothatwecanhavebedsandventilatorsavailablefortheCOVID-19patients.HarfordCountyneedstokeepasecondfreestanding,fullservicehospital.WedonotneedaglorifiedEmergencyRoom.ThenumberofpatientsthatneedsBehavioralHealthissky-rocketing.PatientssitinthehospitalfordaystoweeksawaitingabedatanInpatientPsychfacility.We,asaNation,needtolearnfromthisCOVID-19pandemic,andmakeimprovementsinourHealthcaresystemsothatwearebetterpreparedintheeventofanotherpandemicsuchasthisone.Pleasere-considerkeepingUMHarfordMemorialHospitalasafullservicehospital.Attheveryleast,pleaseholdoffonmakinganyrashdecisionsatthistime.Thankyoukindlyforyourtime.SandraWorthington305AvatarCt.HavredeGrace,MD21078

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Subject:AgendaChangeRequiredFrom:MelStachura<melstachura@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.gov,paul.parker@maryland.gov,eileen.fleck@maryland.gov,steve.johnson@house.state.md.us,maryann.lisanti@house.state.md.us,susan.mccomas@house.state.md.us,kevin.hornberger@house.state.md.usDateSent:Monday,April13,20202:42:25PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Monday,April13,20202:43:04PMGMT-04:00

InlightofthecurrentstateoftheCovid-19pandemic,thesurgeofcriticallyillandtheunknownconsequencesthispandemicmayhaveonthephysicalstructureofhealthcaredeliveryIamopposedtothecurrentreviewofUMUHC'scertificateofneedapplicationatthistime.ThankYou,MelvinThomasStachura

316SStokesSt,HavredeGrace,MD21078

MarylandHealthCareCommissionBenSteffen,ExecutiveDirector,410.764.3565(ben.steffen@maryland.gov)PaulParker,Director,HealthCareFacilitiesPlanning410.764.3261(paul.parker@maryland.gov)EileenFleck,Chief,AcuteCarePolicyPlanning410.764.3287(eileen.fleck@maryland.gov)

TheHonorableLarryHogan,GovernorofMarylandhttps://governor.maryland.gov/contact-the-governor/HarfordCountyDelegatesandSenators:DelegateSteveJohnsonsteve.johnson@house.state.md.usDelegateMaryAnnLisantimaryann.lisanti@house.state.md.usDelegateSusanMcComassusan.mccomas@house.state.md.usDelegateMichaelGriffithmike.griffith@house.state.md.usDelegateTeresaReillyteresa.reilly@house.state.md.usDelegateKevinHornbergerkevin.hornberger@house.state.md.usDelegateKathySzeligakathy.szeliga@house.state.md.usDelegateRickImpallariarick.impallaria@house.state.md.usDelegateLaurenArikanlauren.arikan@house.state.md.usSenatorRobertCassillybob.cassilly@senate.state.md.usSenatorJasonGallionjason.gallion@senate.state.md.usSenatorJ.B.Jenningsjb.jennings@senate.state.md.us

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--MelStachura-MakingThingsHappenSince1952

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Subject:MHCCmeeting4/16From:"Johnson,SteveDelegate"<Steve.Johnson@house.state.md.us>To:'BenSteffen-MDH-'<ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Monday,April13,20202:38:44PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Monday,April13,20202:38:51PMGMT-04:00Attachments:steffen.pdf,mhccagenda.pdf

GoodAfternoon,AttachedisatimesensitiveletterwithsupportinginformationregardingtheMHCCmeetingonThursdayApril16thfromDelegatesJohnsonandLisanti.Thankyou,

DelegateSteveJohnsonHarfordCountyLegislativeDistrict34AHouseOfficeBuilding,Room2156BladenStreet,Annapolis,MD21401Ph:(410)841-3280e-mail:Steve.Johnson@house.state.md.us

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Subject:ConversionofUniversityofMarylandHarfordMemorialHospitaltoaFreestandingMedicalFacility(DocketNo.17-12-EX004)From:BarbaraSponn<bsponn@hotmail.com>To:BarbaraSponn<bsponn@hotmail.com>DateSent:Monday,April13,20202:24:33PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Monday,April13,20202:24:35PMGMT-04:00

InlightofthecurrentstateoftheCovid-19pandemic,thesurgeofcriticallyillandtheunknownconsequencesthispandemicmayhaveonthephysicalstructureofhealthcaredelivery,IamopposedtothereviewofUMUHC'scertificateofneedapplicationatthistime.

NowduringthisglobalCOVID-19pandemicandthefactthatMarylandhasnotreachedthepeakinthecurve,theGovernorisre-openingclosedhospitalfacilitiesandcreatingemergencyfieldhospitals.WhatistherushinmovingforwardontheclosingoneofthetwohospitalsinHarfordCounty?Whyisn'ttheMHCCwaitingtoseewhatthefuturestructureofhealthcarewillbecome?Ibelievetheiractionsareirresponsibleandhasty.PleasedonotallowapprovaloftheclosureofUMHMHandconstructionofafreestandingambulatoryfacilityinAberdeentooccuratthistime.Furtherinformationandanalysiswillbeneededafterthepandemichasended.

ThankYou,

BarbaraMSponn606PeaceChanceDriveHavredeGrace,MD21078

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Subject:Fwd:MarylandHealthCareCommissionmeeting-April16,2020From:EileenFleck-MDH-<eileen.fleck@maryland.gov>To:BenSteffen-DHMH-<ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Monday,April13,20202:17:53PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Monday,April13,20202:18:30PMGMT-04:00

FYI

EileenFleckChief,AcuteCarePolicy&PlanningMarylandHealthCareCommission4160PattersonAvenueBaltimore,MD21215Phone:(410)764-3287Fax:(410)358-1236

MHCCiscommittedtocustomerservice.ClickheretotaketheCustomerSatisfactionSurvey

----------Forwardedmessage---------From:ROBERTSHERMAN<rsherm@verizon.net>Date:Mon,Apr13,2020at12:32PMSubject:MarylandHealthCareCommissionmeeting-April16,2020To:eileen.fleck@maryland.gov<eileen.fleck@maryland.gov>

April13,2020

Reference:

TheMarylandHealthCareCommissionmeetingscheduledforApril16,2020

Iunderstandoneoftheitemstobediscussedatthismeetingisthefollowing:

UpperChesapeakeHealth–ReconfigurationofHospitalFacilitiesandServicesinHarfordCounty

A.ACTION:RequestforExemptionfromCertificateofNeedReview–ConversionofUniversityofMarylandHarfordMemorialHospitaltoaFreestandingMedicalFacility.

TherehavebeenstoriesinthenewsrecentlyabouttheUniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCarefacilitiesinAberdeenandBelAirexpandingtheircapacity;howeveritismyunderstandingthattheAberdeenlocationisstillsubjecttoapproval.Ibelieveitwouldbepre-maturetocloseHarfordMemorialHospitalinHavredeGracebeforetheothertwofacilities;AberdeenandBelAirarefullyoperational.

NowduringthisglobalCOVID-19pandemicandthefactthatMarylandhasnotreachedthepeakinthecurve,theGovernorisre-openingclosedhospitalfacilitiesandcreatingemergencyfieldhospitals;thereforeitseemstomeitwouldbemoreimportantthanevertonotonlykeepthisfacilityopen,butalsoexpanditscapabilities.

DuringnormaltimesitisimportanttotheresidentsofthegreaterHavredeGraceareatohaveimmediateaccesstoanemergencyhealthcarefacilityandespeciallynow,inlightofthecurrentstateoftheCovid-19pandemic,thesurgeofcriticallyillandtheunknownconsequencesthispandemicmayhaveonthephysicalstructureofhealthcaredeliveryIbelieveitisimportantforthisfacilitytoremainopen.IamnotinfavorofthetotalclosureofHarfordMemorialHospitalatanytime,butespeciallynowduringtheseunknowntimesinhealthcareandwhatourfutureneedsmaybe.

IaskthatyoudowhateveryoucanwithinyourofficetoseethattheUniversityofMarylandHealthcarefacilityatHarfordMemorialinHavredeGrace,Md.remainsopenfortheforeseeablefuture.

Thankyouforyourtimeandconsideration,

RobertD.Sherman

115SnowChiefDrive,24 / 52

HavredeGrace,Md21078

Sentviae-mailfrom

rsherm@verizon.net

NOTICE:Thismessageandtheaccompanyingdocumentsareintendedonlyfortheuseoftheindividualorentitytowhichtheyareaddressedandmaycontaininformationthatisprivileged,orexemptfromdisclosureunderapplicablelaw.Ifthereaderofthisemailisnottheintendedrecipient,youareherebynotifiedthatyouarestrictlyprohibitedfromreading,disseminating,distributing,orcopyingthiscommunication.Ifyouhavereceivedthisemailinerror,pleasenotifythesenderimmediatelyanddestroytheoriginaltransmission.

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Subject:From:PageMitchem<pagella86@gmail.com>To:"Ben.steffen@maryland.gov"<Ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Monday,April13,20202:09:29PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Monday,April13,20202:09:31PMGMT-04:00

IunderstandthatomApril16,theMarylandHealthCareCommissionwillbevotingonUniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility.Iamaskingthatitem5beremovedfromtheagendaatthistimebasedonthefollowing:1.ThecurrentcrisiswiththeCOVID-19indicatesthatthisplanofprovidinglimitedemergencyservicesandafewbedstothispartofHarfordandCecilcountyisnotviable,shortsightedandshowsatotallackofconcernforqualitycare.2.PriortothiscrisiswehadtwofamilymembersandagoodfriendwhorecentlyhadverybadexperienceswiththecaretheyreceivedatUpperChesapeakeHospital.Iamnotgoingintothedetailshere;however,thequalityofhealthcareforourarearightnowispoortofair.(someexamples:8hourwaitsinemergency,nobeds,pillowsorblankets,untrainedstaffing,heavytraffic).Ifyoucallanambulancelivinglessthan1milefromhospitalyour74yearoldmothergetsreroutedtoahospital30milesNorthinElktonMdwhoarenotpartofhealthcaresystemsheuses.Sheisoneoftheluckyonesshehasbluecrossblueshieldalongwithmedicaresoatleastitwascovered.3.YoumusttakeagoodlookattheirplaninlightofthecurrentCOVID-19situation,andthechangesnecessarytomoveforwardtoprovidegoodhealthcaretoallthecitizensinHarfordandCecilcounties.ThankyouandIbegyoutolookatthissituationcarefullyandlearnallthefactsfromthepeopledirectlyimpactedbythisplan.Wedeservetobeheard.PageMitchem

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Subject:Removingitem5fromtheApril16thMHCCmeetingagendaFrom:KarenCarag<karjun5@yahoo.com>To:"Ben.steffen@maryland.gov"<Ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Monday,April13,20201:01:21PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Monday,April13,20201:01:23PMGMT-04:00

DearDirectorSteffen,

WeareCecilCountyresidents,butalsoretiredasanurseandphysicianfromHarfordMemorialHospital.

UniversityofMarylandHarfordMemorialistheonlyhospitalwewouldwanttogotointheeventofanemergency.ThisisnotthetimetomakethiscommunityhealthcaredecisioninlightoftheCovid19virus.Pleaseholdoffanddomoreresearch.ThispartofCecilcounty,PortDeposit,ConowingoandRisingSunandPerryvilleverymuchrelyonthishospital.

Thankyouforyourconsideration.

Sincerely,

KarenACarag,RNVicenteRCarag,Jr,MD

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalclosingFrom:mikekelly<mak284@yahoo.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Sunday,April12,20202:21:33PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Sunday,April12,20202:21:39PMGMT-04:00

DirectorSteffen,

AsaHarfordCounty,HavredeGrace,MDresident,IamaskingtheMHCCtoremoveItem5,UniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility,fromtheMHCCApril16thagenda.

WithoutHarfordMemorialHospital,we,inHarfordCounty,andinMaryland,wouldnotbeabletoprovidethemuchneededcommunityhealthcareinthecurrenthealthcareemergencyoronadailybasis.

Thisisthewrongtimetobemakingsuchanimpactfulcommunitydecision.Moreinformation,includingtheimpactofcommunityhealthifHarfordMemorialisclosed,isneeded.Wherewillthecommunitygoforacutehealthcareneeds?

PleaserecognizethatmorediscussionandqualityresearchisneededtomakesuchanimportantcommunityhealthcaredecisionandremoveItem5fromtheMHCCagenda,onApril16,2020.

Respectfully,MichaelKelly451CommerceStreetHavredeGrace,MD21078717-515-4482

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Subject:removingitem5fromtheApril16thMHCCmeetingagendaFrom:PenniKelly<luckipenni@gmail.com>To:Ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Sunday,April12,202011:45:03AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Sunday,April12,202011:45:16AMGMT-04:00

DirectorSteffen,

AsaHarfordCounty,HavredeGrace,MDresident,IamaskingtheMHCCtoremoveItem5,UniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility,fromtheMHCCApril16thagenda.

WithoutHarfordMemorialHospital,we,inHarfordCounty,andinMaryland,wouldnotbeabletoprovidethemuchneededcommunityhealthcareinthecurrenthealthcareemergencyoronadailybasis.

Thisisthewrongtimetobemakingsuchanimpactfulcommunitydecision.Moreinformation,includingtheimpactofcommunityhealthifHarfordMemorialisclosed,isneeded.Wherewillthecommunitygoforacutehealthcareneeds?

PleaserecognizethatmorediscussionandqualityresearchisneededtomakesuchanimportantcommunityhealthcaredecisionandremoveItem5fromtheMHCCagenda,onApril16,2020.

Respectfully,PenelopeKelly451CommerceStreetHavredeGrace,MD21078443-417-6349

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Subject:PleasedelayvoteonHavredeGraceHarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:KaraPleasants<kara.m.pleasants@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Sunday,April12,202012:50:16AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Sunday,April12,202012:50:17AMGMT-04:00

Iamwritinginsupportofmymayor,BillMartin,andfellowcitizensofHavredeGraceandHarfordCountytoaskthatyoudelayvotingintheclosureoftheHarfordMemorialHospitalonApril16.Pleasetaketimetoreviewtheletterfrommymayor,whichoutlinesthemajorconcernswehaveaboutalackofaccesstocriticalmedicalcareifthishospitalisclosed.

Ihavetwochildrenandmyparents,bothofwhomhavehealthconditions,liveinHavredeGrace.Itiscriticalforustohaveaccesstoqualityemergencyandfullhospitalcarelocally.Giventhegravemedicalinequalitiesbeingunderscoredbythecurrentpandemic,Ihopeyouwillseriouslyconsiderourrequest.Thankyouforyourattention.Sincerely,KaraPleasantshttps://havredegracemd.gov/app/uploads/2020/04/HB-926-HB-1277_Letter-from-Mayor-Martin-2.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2HJwCwXeWhbUrqwBAmq2WTUOceNZ5Lnf-nBULGikeb7yTIRJJfGHUl_v8

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Subject:ConversionofUniversityofMarylandHarfordMemorialHospitaltoaFreestandingMedicalFacility(DocketNo.17-12-EX004)From:AnnMarieSerwa<amserwa415@verizon.net>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,20208:10:51PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20208:10:55PMGMT-04:00

MarylandHealthCareCommissionBenSteffen,ExecutiveDirector

Mr.Steffen

DuringthisglobalCovid-19pandemic,andthefactthatMarylandhasnotreachedthepeakinthecurve,theGovernorisre-openingclosedhospitalfacilitiesandcreatingemergencyfieldhospitals;therefore:

WhatistherushtocloseoneofthetwohospitalsinHarfordCounty?

Whyisn'ttheMHCCwaitingtoseewhatthefuturestructureofhealthcarewillbecome?

Ibelievetheiractionsareirresponsibleandhasty.InlightofthecurrentstateoftheCovid-19pandemic,thesurgeofcriticallyill,andtheunknownconsequencesthispandemicmayhaveonthephysicalstructureofhealthcaredeliver,IamopposedtothecurrentreviewofUMUHC'scertificateofneedapplicationatthistime.

ThankYou

AnnMarieSerwaamserwa415@verizon.net301-648-6767

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Subject:MDHealthCareCommissionFrom:JayDuBree<jay.dubree@gmail.com>To:Ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,20207:09:01PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20207:09:13PMGMT-04:00

Sir,Weareinunknownterritoryforhealthcareacrossthenation.WithingMDwehaveseenthousandsofcasesofCOVID-19aswellasthenormalcasesourhealthcaresystemhastohandle.Duringthesetimes,wehaveseenthatthethoughtsandplansoverthelastdecadeforhealthcarehasleftMDcitizenswithtoofewhospitalbeds,toofewurgentcarecenters,toofewICUbedsandanunwelcomeconcentrationoffullcarehospitalsinurban/suburbanareas.Togoforthwithmeetingswhileweareunderarestrictedstateisunwise,togoforthwithevenentertainingthethoughtofclosingafullservicehospitaluntilwearethruthispandemicisunwise.Iaskthatanyplanorrequesttocloseanyfullservicehospital.(HarfordMemorialinparticular);beremovedfromagenda'sandcodedTBD(TobeDetermined)untilwehaveclearedthepandemic,andallafteractionreviewsandfutureguidanceiscomplete.IunderstandthatUMMC/UpperChesapeakeisattemptingtostayontrack,buttheseareunknowntimes,timesweasastateandnationneverthoughtwewouldsee.ToallowanyplantomoveforwardonclosingahospitalisnotthebestcourseofactionuntilweasastatewithourmanyDr's,scientists,expertsandexperiencecanhaveanewpathforwardsowearebetterpreparedinthefutureforthenextgenerations.ThankYouJayD.DuBreeAberdeen,MD

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Subject:CityofHavredeGraceHarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:SheenaStevanak<sheena.stevanak@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,20206:26:34PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20206:26:45PMGMT-04:00

Mr.Steffen,WeareconcernedcitizensofHavredeGraceandbelieveverystronglythatHarfordMemorialHospitalshouldremainopenuntilwellaftertheendoftheCovid-19pandemic.Wearestronglyurgingthatthecommissionremoveitem5(theapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithafree-standingmedicalfacility)fromtheApril16,2020agenda.Thankyouforyourservicetoourstateespeciallyduringthistryingtime.Sincerely,JoeandSheenaStevanak

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:StephenMarksamer<sjmark1@comcast.net>To:BenSteffen<ben.steffen@maryland.gov>,PaulParker<paul.parker@maryland.gov>,EileenFleck<eileen.fleck@maryland.gov>,SteveJohnson<steve.johnson@house.state.md.us>,MaryAnnLisanti<maryann.lisanti@house.state.md.us>,SusanMcComas<susan.mccomas@house.state.md.us>,MichaelGriffith<mike.griffith@house.state.md.us>,TeresaReilly<teresa.reilly@house.state.md.us>,KevinHornberger<kevin.hornberger@house.state.md.us>,KathySzeliga<kathy.szeliga@house.state.md.us>,RickImpallaria<rick.impallaria@house.state.md.us>,LaurenArikan<lauren.arikan@house.state.md.us>,RobertCassilly<bob.cassilly@senate.state.md.us>,JasonGallion<jason.gallion@senate.state.md.us>,"J.B.Jennings"<jb.jennings@senate.state.md.us>DateSent:Saturday,April11,20205:55:59PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20205:56:04PMGMT-04:00

ToDistinguishedPersonsonthisdistribution,InlightofthecurrentstateoftheCovid-19pandemic,thesurgeofcriticallyillandtheunknownconsequencesthispandemicmayhaveonthephysicalstructureofhealthcaredeliveryIamopposedtothecurrentreviewofUMUHC'scertificateofneedapplicationatthistime.

MayorBillMartinofHarvedeGracerecentlysentGovHoganaletterregardingthebenefitsofkeepingafullservicemedicalhospitalanddifficultiesaclosingofsuchafacilitywordcausetoourcommunity.IwanttoraisemyvoiceinfullsupportofourmayorandothercommunityofficialswhoseethebenefitthatHarfordmemorialbothhasservedinthepastandhowanewer,modernfacilitywouldsimilarlyservegoingforward.

Pleasestepin,asadministratorsandlegislatorsrepresentingthebestinterestsofourcounty,tostoptheimmediatereviewclosingtheHMHfacilityandthusallowthereevaluationofrequirementsforHarfordCountymedicalcare.

ThankYou,

Sincerely,StephenMarksamer206WarAdmiralWayHavredeGrace,Md21078Sjmark1@comcast.net

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Subject:ClosingofUMHarfordMemorialHospital.From:featherfactory<featherfactory@comcast.net>To:Ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,20203:34:46PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20203:34:57PMGMT-04:00

Pleasepostponethehearingontheclosingofthishospital.Weneedthishospitalmorethenevernowwithcovid-19.Weneedthishospitalevenwhenthingsarenormal.IhaveseentheemergencyroomfullandnobedsavailableinthehospitalduringfluseasoneveryyearsinceImovedhere6yearsago.WefeelitisveryimportanttohavethishospitalavailableforbothHarfordCountyandwesternCecilCounty.Thankyouforyourconsideration.JohnR.andKathleenLee,314BourbonStreet,HavredeGrace,Maryland,21078.Phone410939-.2538

SentfrommyVerizon,SamsungGalaxysmartphone

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Subject:MHCCAgendaApril16,2020From:"chrismgriffith@hotmail.com"<purudm@aol.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govCc:billm@havredegracemd.comDateSent:Saturday,April11,20202:15:55PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20202:16:01PMGMT-04:00

Ben,

InlightofthecurrentstateoftheCovid-19pandemic,thesurgeofcriticallyillandtheunknownconsequencesthispandemicmayhaveonthephysicalstructureofhealthcaredeliveryIamopposedtothecurrentreviewofUMUHC'scertificateofneedapplicationatthistime.

ThankYou,DavidMartinHavredeGrace

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Subject:Item5April16AgendaFrom:JuliaDowner<jldowner9@verizon.net>To:"Ben.steffen@maryland.gov"<Ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Saturday,April11,20202:03:14PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20202:03:17PMGMT-04:00

IunderstandthatomApril16,theMarylandHealthCareCommissionwillbevotingonUniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility.

Iamaskingthatitem5beremovedfromtheagendaatthistimebasedonthefollowing:

1.ThecurrentcrisiswiththeCOVID-19indicatesthatthisplanofprovidinglimitedemergencyservicesandafewbedstothispartofHarfordandCecilcountyisnotviable,shortsightedandshowsatotallackofconcernforqualitycare.

2.PriortothiscrisiswehadtwofamilymembersandagoodfriendwhorecentlyhadverybadexperienceswiththecaretheyreceivedatUpperCheaspeakeHospital.Iamnotgoingintothedetailshere;however,thequalityofhealthcareforourarearightnowispoortofair.(someexamples:8hourwaitsinemergency,nobeds,pillowsorblankets,untrainedstaffing,heavytraffic).

3.YoumusttakeagoodlookattheirplaninlightofthecurrentCOVID-19situation,andthechangesnecessarytomoveforwardtoprovidegoodhealthcaretoallthecitizensinHarfordandCecilcounties.

ThankyouandIbegyoutolookatthissituationcarefullyandlearnallthefactsfromthepeopledirectlyimpactedbythisplan.Wedeservetobeheard.

JuliaandRobertDownerjldowner9@verizon.net

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Subject:OpposingClosureofHarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:LisaDryden<lisa.dryden@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,202010:38:21AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,202010:38:33AMGMT-04:00

Mr.Steffen,

IamacurrentresidentintheCityofHavredeGracewritinginoppositiontotheconsiderationofclosureoftheHarfordMemorialHospitalcurrentlyontheApril16,2020meetingagenda.

MyfamilyhashadtousetheemergencyroomsatbothHarfordMemorialandUpperChesapeakeMedicalCentermultipletimesoverthecourseofthepast10years.WehavealwaysfoundtheprovidersandstaffattentivebutwehavebeenappalledattheridiculouslylongwaittimestobeseenbystaffandtheevenlongerwaittimesforcriticalequipmentsuchasultrasoundmachinesandCATscanstobecomeavailable.InAprilof2019,onemonthpostpartum,IwastreatedforasuspectedbloodclotonabedinthehallwayoftheERduetolackofbeds.OurhealthcaresysteminHarfordCountycan'tsupportpatientloadduringnormaloperations,reducinghealthcareservicesduringthecurrentstateofourstateandnationisabsurd.The'freestandingmedicalfacility'asproposedwon'ttheneedsofthecommunityaswellasafull-servicehospital.

Respectfully,

LisaDryden

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Subject:OpposingClosureofHarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:MichaelPeck<mpeck1@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,202010:16:36AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,202010:16:49AMGMT-04:00

Mr.Steffen,

IamaresidentoftheCityofHavredeGracewritinginoppositiontotheconsiderationofclosureofHarfordMemorialHospitalontheApril16,2020meetingagenda.

Inmyfamily'svisitsovertheyearstobothHarfordMemorialHospitalinHavredeGraceandUpperChesapeakeMedicalCenterinBelAIr,everyindividualhealthcareproviderhasbeenwonderful,butwehavefrequentlyfacedlongwaittimesandovercrowding.Theideaofreducingthehealthcareservicesavailabletotheregionwasabsurdbefore,andisevenmoreabsurdgiventhecurrentcrisisfacingourstate,nation,andworld.A"freestandingmedicalfacility"willnotmeettheneedsofthecommunitythesamewayasafullservicehospital.

Thankyouforyourconsideration,MichaelPeck

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Subject:HarfordMemorialClosureFrom:JenMerkel<jmjr4all@gmail.com>To:Ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,20209:26:29AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20209:26:56AMGMT-04:00

DearSir,

Iamwritingtoexpressmyconcernregardingtheproposed,andlikelyimpending,closureofthehospitalinthecityofHavredeGrace,HarfordMemorial.

Thishasbeensomethingthatourfamilyhasbeenopposedtoforsometime,butnowIfeelcompelledtowritetoyoubecauseIbelievethatthisisanunwisedecision,notjustatthistime,butforthefuture.

OurfamilyhasbeenapartoftheHavredeGracecommunityforovertwentyyears.Wehaveneededthathospitalandbenefittedfromthecareofferedthereonnumerousoccasions.Myhusbandwastreatedthereforalifethreateningconditionandthedoctorsandstaffsavedhislife.Hehashadmanysurgeriesthereandwehavealwaysbeentreatedwiththeutmostprofessionalismandpersonalcare.

IhavehadexperiencewithUpperChesapeake,BelAir,anditisnotthesame.Itisverysystem,andnotpatient,orientedinmyopinion.IknowthatHMHisalsoapartoftheUniversityofMarylandHealthCaresystem,buttheserviceandtheenvironment,betweenthetwohospitals,isverydifferent.

OnnumeriousoccasionsthishospitalhasbeenthereforthepeopleofHarfordCountyand,whileIknowthatitwouldrequireatremendousamountofmoneytobringituptostandard,Ibelievethatitisstillakeylocationforthedistributionofhealthcare.Ihavespokentonumerousdoctors,staffandmystatedelegate,MaryAnnLisanti,andIknowthatIamnotaloneinmysenseofurgencyinthismatter.

Pleaseconsiderremovingthispointofdiscussionfromyourconsideration,foratleasttheforeseeablefuture.LetusgetourbearingsinthenewlandscapethatwearefacinginourcommunitiesduetotheCOVID-19crisis.Nowisnotthetimetobeshakingupthesystem.

Thankyouforyourconsideration.

Sincerely,

JenniferMerkelHavredeGrace,MD4107768841

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalAgendaIteFrom:DanielleWolfe<daniellelwolfe@gmail.com>To:"ben.steffen@maryland.gov"<ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Saturday,April11,20209:06:19AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20209:06:30AMGMT-04:00

GoodeveningCommissioner,IamwritingtoyouasacitizenofHavredeGraceinHarfordCounty,Marylandtorespectfullyaskthatyouremoveitem5fromyouragendaforApril16,2020.Specifically,thisrelatestotheclosureofHarfordMemorialHospitalanditsreplacementwithafreestandingfacilitywhichwillnotprovidethesamelevelofcare,particularlyforacutelyillpatients.

ToconsiderfurtheringtheprocessofthisalreadydeeplyconcerningdecisionduringthecurrentpandemicdoesanenormousdisservicetothecitizensofHarfordandsurroundingcounties.Wedeserveaccesstoadequatehealthcare,andnowmorethanevershouldbeseekingtoincreasetheabilitytoservethepopulation.Again,intheinterestofpublichealth,Irequestthatyouremovethistopicfromtheagenda.

Thankyou,DanielleWolfe

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Subject:HarfordMemorialFrom:JasonRobertson<jasonr@havredegracemd.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,20209:00:59AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20209:01:11AMGMT-04:00

HelloMr.Steffen,

WeinHavredeGrace,andmuchofHarfordCounty,aretrulyconcernedabouttheclosureofHarfordMemorial;especiallythatsuchathingmightbeconsideredduringaglobalpandemic.Duringnormaloperations,undernormalcircumstances,oneonlyneedstoviewthewaittimestoseehowoftenbothhospitalsinHarfordCountyareinthered.Meaning,ifanything,weneedmorepatientbedsinthiscounty,andmoreemergencyservices,notfewer.

Thecountyhasbeengrowingatarathersteadypace.HavredeGracehasgrownexponentially,somuchsothatwe'refacingexceedingcapacityatoneofourelementaryschools.

IimploretheCommissiontopleaseconsideragendaitemnumber5,withtheimpactonthelocalcommunityinmind.

Thankyou,JasonRobertsonHdGCityCouncil

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Subject:TheclosingofHarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:MonicaSaunders<saunders.monica.h@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Saturday,April11,20201:08:46AMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Saturday,April11,20201:08:50AMGMT-04:00

HiBen,IwantedtoexpressmyconcernabouttheupcomingApril16thmeetinginwhichtheclosingofHarfordMemorialHospitalwillbeputtoavote.Thisactionshouldnotbediscussedatthismomentintime.WeareinthemidstofapandemicandHarfordMemorialiscrucialtotheareainhelpingtomeettheneedsofmanythatfallvictimtoCovid19.IrespectfullyaskthatthevoteonHarfordmemorialHospitalbetabledandthatthecitizensofHarfordcountybeplacedaspriorityinregardstofightingthispandemic.

Best,MonicaSaunders

SentfrommyiPad

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:LindaBorneman<LLBorneman@comcast.net>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Friday,April10,20209:24:02PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20209:24:04PMGMT-04:00

DearMr.Steffen,Iamalife-longresidentofHavredeGrace,Marylandandunderstandthatnextweek,April16,theMarylandHealthCareCommissionwillbevotingonUniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility.

Iferventlyurgeyoutoremovethisitemfromyouragendaingeneral,butmoreimportantlynow,inlightofthepandemicthathasstrickenthecountry.AsaresidentofHavredeGrace,wehavereceivedexcellentmedicalattentionfromHarfordMemorialHospitalwithemergencyservices,especiallybutalsoforelectivesurgery,acutecareandchildbirth.

Myconcernisthatafreestandingmedicalfacilitycannotprovideacutecare,suchasrequiredtotreatpatientswithCOVID-19anditwouldonlyprovidelimitedemergencyservices.ResidentsofHdGbeingtransportedtoUpperChesapeakeHealthCareinBelAir,couldeasilydieenroutetothehospitalduringthetypical30-40minuteride.Asyouwellknow,withheartattacks,everysecondcounts.AlsoHarfordMemorialisheavilyusedbyPerryville,CecilCountyresidents,sincetheonlyotheroptionforthemisanother30minuteridetoElkton,MD.

ConsideringthatCovid-19isabouttopeakinMaryland,wouldn’titbeprudenttoputthisissueonthebackburner,inordertonotlosemorelivesand/oroverloadtheBelAircampusorBaltimoreCountyhospitals?ItmakesperfectsensetonotmakeanyclosuresofmedicalfacilitiesatleastuntiltheCovid-19casesareclearlyindramaticdecline.Anythinglessisreckless,inmyopinion.

Pleasegivemyurgentrequestseriousconsideration.Itcouldspellsuccessorcalamitytoourcommunityduringthischallengingtime.

Respectfully,LindaL.Borneman443-243-5649

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:KRISTEN<kristencypher1414@comcast.net>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Friday,April10,20208:51:29PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20208:51:33PMGMT-04:00

DearMr.Steffen,

Ijustreadthisletter.IliveinHavredeGraceandhavefor53yearsandsohasmyfamily.Now,IknowthatdoesnotmatteratallwhenApril16,2020comesalong.Withthatbeingsaid,whatdoesmatterishowintheworldisUMUChospitalgoingtohandleeverysickpersonthatcatchesCOVID-19?I’lltellyouexactlyhow,becauseIhavedearfriendsonthefrontlines.Theyarenotgoingtobeabletohandleit.Morepeoplewilldieandmorepeoplewillstaysick.I’mnotgoingtorambleonandonaboutthissituationbecauseIthinkeveryoneissmartenoughtoknowtheimpactitwillhaveifweloseourHospital.Beadecenthumanbeingandmakethebestpossibledecisiongiventhecurrentfactsaboutthisvirus.

Sincerely,

KristenCypher

TheCityofHavredeGracelearnedtodaythatnextweek,April16,theMarylandHealthCareCommissionwillbevotingonUniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility.AFreeStandingMedicalFacilityisnotequippedtoprovideacutecare,suchasisrequiredtotreatpatientswithCOVID-19andprovideslimitedemergencyservices.

"IamrespectfullyrequestingGovernorHogantoordertheMHCCtoremovethisitemfromtheirApril16thagenda.TheCOVID-19pandemichaschangedthehealthcaresystemmodelaroundourcountry,tosaytheleast.Ibelieveitisprudentthatweholdoffonsuchparamountdecisionsuntilthispandemichassubsided,andafuturepathforwardcanbemadewithgreaterclarityandknowledge,"statedMayorMartinupongainingknowledgeoftheupcomingmeetingoftheMarylandHealthCareCommission.

WeencourageeveryonetoemailBenSteffen,DirectoroftheMarylandHealthCareCommissionatBen.steffen@maryland.gov,andvoiceyouropinionanddemandthecommissionremovethisitem(item5)fromtheirApril16,2020agenda.

https://havredegracemd.gov/app/uploads/2020/04/system_notification@havredegracemd.com_20200410_163029-1.pdf

SentfromXfinityConnectApp

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalinHavredeGraceMarylandFrom:DIANNCHARMON<diann9898@yahoo.com>To:"Ben.steffen@maryland.gov"<Ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Friday,April10,20208:47:22PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20208:47:27PMGMT-04:00

DearMr.BenSteffen:

HeardthatHarfordMemorialHospitalisgoingtoclosetheirdoors.ItisessentialtohaveBelAir,AberdeenandHavredeGracefacilitiesopen.BelAirisextremelybusyinanormallifeandcan'thandletheneedofHarfordCountyresidents.

PleaseconsiderkeepingHavredeGraceopenbyeithertalkingtocurrentownersorfindanotherowner.

IwasbornattheHavreGracehospitalin1962.IstillliveinEdgewoodanduseHavredeGracehospital.

Sincerely,

DiannC.Harmon601CharwoodCourtEdgewoodMD21040

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:ReneeStratton<reneestratton@gmail.com>To:PaulStratton<PRStratton@gmail.com>,"ben.steffen@maryland.gov"<ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Friday,April10,20208:42:21PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20208:42:33PMGMT-04:00

I’dliketorequestthatthecommissionremoveitem5fromyourApril16,2020agenda.HarfordMemorialHospitalservessomanyinourcommunityandemploysmanyaswell.Thispandemicmakesitevermoreclearthatthesebedsaresoneeded.Itwouldbedetrimentaltoourcountytobedowntoonesinglehospitalwitha15bedicu.Weneeditnowmorethaneverandhealthcareisnevertheplacetocutcorners.

Regards,ReneeStratton

https://havredegracemd.gov/app/uploads/2020/04/system_notification@havredegracemd.com_20200410_163029-1.pdf--ReneeStratton

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Subject:HarfordMemorialFrom:NickRockey<rockey0417@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Friday,April10,20208:02:32PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20208:02:36PMGMT-04:00

Areyouguysoutofyourminds?RemoveItem5fromtheMarylandHealthcareCommission’sscheduledmeetingApril16th,2020.

AsahealthcareproviderandresidentIcandefinitivelystateafreestandingEDinplaceofHarfordMemorialisnotasmartmove,thefreestandingED’slimitedinpatientcapabilitywillquicklybeoverwhelmedandfallonUpperChesapeake,whichisasmall200bedhospitalwithnoknownplansofexpansion,thiswilllikelyresultinpatientsbeingtransportedwellintoFranklinSquareandothernearbyfacilitiesasIpredictUCMCwillremainonanearcapacityorreroutestatusastheybegintoreceiveallofwhatwouldhavebeenHMH’sinpatients.ThishasbeenfrequentlyobservedbyEMSandEDprofessionalslongbeforediscussionofclosingHarfordwasevenmadepublic.HarfordCounty’spopulationisrapidlyincreasingfromavarietyoffactors,andatpresentshowsnosignsofslowingaspeoplemoveawayfromBaltimorecountyandcity,andotherlocationstocallHarfordhome.

Moreover,thedecisiontoattempttoholdthisvoteinthemidstofaglobalpandemicthathasbeentaxinghealthcaresystemsbeyondtheirmaxis....unprofessionalatbest,gravelydisconcertingandborderlinetreasonousatworsttothecitizensofHavreDeGraceandthecommunitiesHMHservessuchasmostofDarlington,Level,Aberdeen,Perryville,PortDepositandConowingo.

UpperChesapeakehashadtoturntheirIMCintoanICUastheirmainICUhasoverflown,andareinprogressstandingupaTHIRDICUelsewhereinthehospital,imaginehowmuchworseitwouldbeifHMHwasclosedandUCMCwasleftbasicallyalonetobeartheweightofthisemergency.

NicholasRockeyNREMT-B(443)752-0078

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospital,Agendaitem,April16,2020From:DavidBarker<dawoofman@gmail.com>To:Ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Friday,April10,20207:49:34PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20207:49:46PMGMT-04:00

PleaseremoveHarfordMemorialHospitalfromtheagendaforthe16th,Item#5.Ihavemanyfamilymemberswhodependonthathospital,somewithlimitedmeansoftransportationtootherfacilities.TheCoronaviruspandemichasshownusthevalueofhospitalbeds.Thelossofjobswouldalsobeuntimely.Wearepleadingwithyou.

Kindregards,

DavidL.Barker

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Subject:HarvedeGraceHospitalFrom:jhimes525<jhimes525@gmail.com>To:ben.steffen@maryland.govDateSent:Friday,April10,20207:37:19PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20207:37:21PMGMT-04:00

TodayIlearnedthatnextweek,April16,theMarylandHealthCareCommissionwillbevotingonUniversityofMarylandUpperChesapeakeHealthCareSystem'sapplicationtoshutdownHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplaceitwithaFreeStandingMedicalFacility.Pleasedonotallowthis.AsaresidentofthetownIfeelthataFreeStandingMedicalFacilityisnotequippedtoprovideacutecare,suchasisrequiredtotreatpatientswithCOVID-19andprovideslimitedemergencyservices.

Pleaseremovethisfromtheagenda.Ourtownandothersurroundingcommunitiesareinneedofthishospitalespeciallyduringtheepidemic.

Thankyou

JessicaHimes

SentviatheSamsungGalaxyNote10,anAT&T5GEvolutioncapablesmartphone

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Subject:HarfordMemorialHospitalFrom:DEBORAHPETZ<deborah218@yahoo.com>To:"Ben.steffen@maryland.gov"<Ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Friday,April10,20207:12:28PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20207:12:34PMGMT-04:00

DearBen,

Inlightofthishorrificpandemicthathasplaguedthiscountry,IwouldhopethattheclosureofthiscommunityhospitalwouldpermanentlyberemovedfromanyagendathatwouldwishtoreduceoreliminatetheservicessodesperatelyneedhereinHarfordCountyMaryland.ForthesafetyofallthecitizensinandaroundHarfordCountypleasereconsiderthereplacementofthishospitalwithadowngradedfreestandingfacilitythatdoesn'tevenofferacutecareservices!!AsHarfordcountyhasbeenmovedtooneofthegreaterBaltimoreareahotspotsfortheCOVID19,weatleasthavethecomfortofknowingwehave2facilitiesthatcanhouseintensivecarepatients.AccordingtomydaughterthatworksforUpperChesapeakeinBelAir(whohad6COVID19patientsonWednesdaythe8thofApril)thehospitalisatcapacitywithveryillpatientsintheintensivecare,thestepdownintensivecareandthefloorthatishousingonlyCOVID19patients.Thankheavensnochangeshaveoccurredtodateorthiscountywouldhavebeeninwayovertheirheads!!

Thankyoukindlyforyourtime,

DeborahL.Petz

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Subject:RemovethevoteonHarfordMemorialHospitalsFrom:LynnJurkowski<lynnmj2021@gmail.com>To:"ben.steffen@Maryland.gov"<ben.steffen@maryland.gov>DateSent:Friday,April10,20206:34:51PMGMT-04:00DateReceived:Friday,April10,20206:35:03PMGMT-04:00

Ifwelearnednothingelsefromthispandemicwelearnedshutteringhospitalsputsourcitizensatevengreaterrisk.Hospitalcapacityacrossthecountrycannotbeartheburdenofagingcitizensorcurrentandfuturehealthcrises.AsacitizenofHavredeGraceIstronglyrequestyouremovethevoteonshutteringHarfordMemorialHospitalandreplacingitwithafreestandingmedicalfacilityfromtheApril16agenda.HavredeGrace’spopulationhasgrownexponentiallyinthelast10years.BRACbroughtthousandsofworkerstoMarylandandtheaverageageofthatpopulationaloneis55+.AmajoritymovedtoHavredeGrace.ClosingHarfordMemorialwasalwaysacostcuttingmeasureforUpperChesapeakeandneverinthebestinterestsofthecitizens.Fromapoliticalperspectivevotingonshuttingahospitalduringapandemicwon’tplaywellinthenews.Respectfully,LynnJurkowski740MonarchosDriveMD21078

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