Coalition to Save Catholic Healthcare on de la Torre's supposed commitment to Catholic Health Care

Coalition To Save Catholic Health Care

NEWS RELEASE

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
CONTACT: R. T. Neary, Chairman
PH: 508 359 4551
RTNeary@Verizon.net




Support for Coakley by Caritas’ Dr. de la Torre Raises Questions


Dr. Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Caritas Christi - the 6-hospital group affiliated with the Archdiocese of Boston - is having his commitment to Catholic medical ethics questioned by the Coalition To Save Catholic Health Care.


“What type of commitment to the Catholic Church’s position on the sanctity of all human life is present when Dr. de la Torre and his wife host a fundraiser for Martha Coakley, contributing the maximum amount legally allowable for perhaps the most pro-abortion politician ever to run for office in this Commonwealth?” asked R. T. Neary, Chairman of the Coalition


“This action, as well as solicitation of donations from other high Caritas officials, naturally leads to the religious issues involved,” said Neary. “Martha Coakley is not only opposed to any restrictions on abortion including the grisly partial birth abortion procedure which some U.S. Senators from both parties have called infanticide, but she has spoken out against conscience clause exclusions, as well.“ he added.


During her own failed campaign for the U.S. Senate, Attorney General Coakley affirmed her extreme position on abortion, but additionally in response to a question about Catholic hospital personnel opposed to abortifacients, she answered that “they probably shouldn’t work in emergency rooms.”


Under current negotiations, which the Coalition opposes and has challenged through different avenues, Dr. de la Torre would become the head of Steward Healthcare LLC, a new entity created by Cerberus Capital Management L.P., a 25 billion dollar venture capital company. His proposed salary, bonus arrangement and perquisites, which are connected with the Cerberus desire for a takeover of Caritas Christi have not been revealed, and the Coalition has called for complete disclosures.


“The CEO’s current salary for heading this Roman Catholic hospital system is now over a million dollars annually, and Dr. de la Torre should have more respect for loyal Catholics who made good faith contributions to build the Caritas Christi system, one which is based on respecting Catholic medical ethics and the Gospel of Life,” said Neary. “Dr. de la Torre’s support of Martha Coakley’s utter disdain for human life in utero, and her cynical swipe at Catholic medical personnel loyal to the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching is inexcusable,” Neary concluded.

**************8

We all know the Archbishop recently said he was 'concerned' about the reports Landmark would remain secular and called de la Torre in to have a chit chat.   As I mentioned in a previous post, it's a little later to tune into what's happening isn't it?   This is another instance where the Cardinal is so out of touch with what he is supposed to be supervising, the first he learns of wrongdoings is what he reads in a newspaper.

Anyhoo, following the talk, they released a statement saying Landmark would be loyal to Catholic principles and ethics.    

Putting aside for a moment that if true, this would be the first thing in town that was loyal to Catholic principles and ethics since Cardinal O'Malley's arrival, let us visit this update:

http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2010/09/03/after_sale_caritas_will_convert_ri_hospital_to_catholic_facility/

Ralph de la Torre, the Caritas chief executive, has said the financial backing of Cerberus will allow the system to expand in Massachusetts and beyond under the umbrella of Steward Healthcare System LLC, a new holding company created by Cerberus. The move to convert Landmark into a Catholic hospital could set a precedent for other community hospitals that would join the system.

After consulting with Cardinal Sean O’Malley Wednesday, de la Torre yesterday issued a written statement regarding the Rhode Island hospital. “If Landmark Medical Center is acquired by Caritas Christi or by any company owning Caritas Christi hospitals, Landmark Medical Center will function within and abide by the ethical and religious directives,’’ he wrote.

The statement did not address other potential Caritas acquisitions. De La Torre has held informal discussions with senior executives at Essent Healthcare Inc., owner of Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, and Cambridge Health Alliance, which operates Cambridge Hospital, Somerville Hospital, and Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett.

IMHO, the Obama Administration is using Cerebus as a front to gobble up Catholic Hospitals (as they did with the auto industry). In two short years, Obama has seized  American banks, a decent chunk of the auto industry, mortgage and college loan industry and the healthcare system. 

I don't think my theory is really that far off the mark.  Once they get a large network, they can begin rationing care to sick and elderly.   This is when the real agenda of Obmacare will be rolled out.   

This is simply the transition period.  By the time it happens, we'll be on the last stretch of life.     How do you think that is going to work out for us?  haha!

Also - check this out:

Caritas spokesman Chris Murphy declined to speculate on prospective deals beyond Landmark. But he said, “Any hospitals acquired by Caritas Christi will be Catholic.’’ Caritas has yet to decide, however, whether Landmark will provide pastoral care, have an on-site chapel, or administer sacraments under its ownership.

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

Here's another looming signal - Caritas is posting a position to hire a priest chaplain.

The Cardinal Archbishop is supposed to have the duty to make the assignments of priests.

Isn't that how it customarily works?

Who is in the throne?

> http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/rrgbsnc2zm/priest-chaplain-jobs/
>
>
> Priest Chaplain
> Apply Now
>
> Company: Caritas Christi Health Care
>
> Location: Boston, MA
>
> Date Posted: September 05, 2010
>
> Masters degree is required. Experience is required. To Promote the missison
> and philosophy of the Caritas Christi Health Care System within the
> particular setting of Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center. Offering the
> presence and availability of a priest to patients and their families and the
> hospital community through ministries of presence, spiritual support,
> availability, sacraments, pastoral counseling and appropriate referral. Has
> the ability to establish and maintain good staff relationships and to
> function with other members of the health care team. Has the ability to
> listen, understand and minister to the specific spiritual needs of persons
> in crisis. Is well adjusted religiously and emotionally, comfortable with
> the ill and the dying patient. Reaches out to the local clergy and laity...
>
> View full job description From Caritas Christi Health Care - 1 day ago
>
>
> Masters degree is required. Experience is required. To Promote the missison
> and philosophy of the Caritas Christi Health Care System within the
> particular setting of Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center. Offering the
> presence and availability of a priest to patients and their families and the
> hospital community through ministries of presence, spiritual support,
> availability, sacraments, pastoral counseling and appropriate referral. Has
> the ability to establish and maintain good staff relationships and to
> function with other members of the health care team. Has the ability to
> listen, understand and minister to the specific spiritual needs of persons
> in crisis. Is well adjusted religiously and emotionally, comfortable with
> the ill and the dying patient. Reaches out to the local clergy and laity...
>
> View full job description From Caritas Christi Health Care - 1 day ago

A Hail Mary Pass - Group Asks Pope to Block Hospital Sale to Cerebus

Neary continues: “We, the supporters of the Coalition To Save Catholic Health Care, request that these proceedings with Cerberus cease immediately and permanently. The Coalition opposes all facets of the negotiations, having examined the ethical, moral, religious, and financial aspects of what has been involved in these dealings with Cerberus”

For me, it isn't just the 25 million dollar payoff to the Cardinal - it is the structure that sets up ethics committees and policies which defers discernment to Cerebus.  

If you read the documents to find out "who" gets control of ethics along with the money being exchanged - the whole deal smells.

As previously reported, St. Elizabeth's has already removed religious artifacts from the hospital.

Like everything else the Archbishop has done since his arrival here in Boston, what his PR people spin out is not the truth of the situation.

Read the documents.

The Archdiocese Launches Strategy Against The Coalition to Save Catholic Healthcare

As I previously mentioned here, last week the Coalition to Save Health Care held a press conference to talk about the deal structure that puts Catholic identity of the hospitals and Catholic healthcare in Massachusetts in grave danger.

When the Globe covered the story, the Cardinal's multi million dollar public relations team was quoted:

“The wild speculation engaged in today is absurd,’’ Murphy said.

Get it?

Speculation that the Cardinal's talk about Cerebus keeping the Catholic identity of hospitals isn't absurd, the people pointing out the 'ethics team' is set up to be controlled by Cerebus and there are lucrative golden parachutes for the diocese built into the deal are wild and absurd.

Meanwhile, as reported on BryanHehirExposed, Cerebus had the Cardinal's portrait removed from the lobby of St. Elizabeth's, the Blessed Mother has been removed from the emergency room and religious artifacts are being purged from the hospital. (Do take a look at the blank wall where the Cardinal's picture used to hang.)

Amazing since there's a pretense that the deal hasn't been approved by the Attorney General.

We announced yesterday that an agreement has been reached with Cerberus that ensures the Catholic identity of the Caritas Christi hospitals. The sale is still pending as the Attorney General has to review it, but this stewardship agreement was a key component for us because it will preserve the Catholic identity of Caritas. (Cardinal Sean’s May 7, 2010 blog)

The Stewardship Agreement memorializes Steward’s commitment to maintain the Catholic identity of the Caritas Christi Healthcare system and its fidelity to the mission of the Church’s healthcare ministry.” (Fr. Richard Erikson, Vicar General, quoted in The Pilot, May 14, 2010)

This is a substantive and structural commitment by the archdiocese and Steward to operate this hospital system by the religious and moral directives of the Catholic Church.” (Fr. Bryan Hehir, Secretary for Healthcare and Social Services, quoted in The Pilot, May 14, 2010)

Judie Brown at the American Life League picked up the story today in her column "Catholic Heroes and Villians".

The entire scenario is most disturbing. In addition, we find the underhanded tactics of Caritas representatives like Chris Murphy, which cannot be unknown to Cardinal Sean O’Malley. The Boston Globe interviewed Murphy, who slammed the Coalition to Save Catholic Health Care, saying “The wild speculation engaged in today is absurd.”

Oh really? Not so fast.

As always, Judie hits the ball out of the park. It's a must read.

Her ending is just too good not to repeat here:

This sort of skullduggery doesn’t sit well among faithful Catholics. But it proves once again that, when Catholic identity is diluted or denied for any reason, including a few measly dollars, nothing good can come of it. Judas Iscariot found that out the hard way. Shame on the Archdiocese of Boston! Thank God for Catholic heroes like John O’Gorman, R. T. Neary and El Paso’s own Father Rodriguez!

Amen to all that!

When it comes to the perception that the archdiocese acts in good faith, Cardinal O'Malley and his team of advisors and hench men continue in a free fall.

Coalition to Save Catholic Healthcare

The Coalition to Save Catholic Healthcare is having a press conference today at the Omni Parker House at 10am.    I can't be there, but I am a member of the coalition.  Please give it some support in prayer.

The concerns I have previously brought forth about how they structured in Cerebus' control of who is selected as a Catholic ethicist, the 'committees' to oversee ethics that are Cerebus corporate and not Catholic,  the opt out clause   -  along with other concerns, lead me to believe that the Catholic vocations and conscience protections of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other Catholic professionals are in jeopardy with this deal.

Here's the press release:

COALITION TO SAVE CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE

              The mission of the Coalition is to continue Roman Catholic health care in the tradition of the teachings of its founder.

              We steadfastly oppose the continuation of any negotiations to sell or transfer the Caritas Christi Health Care System by the Archdiocese of Boston to Cerberus Capital Management L.P., its subsidiary or any allied organization.

              Caritas Christi’s mission, which is “rooted in the healing power of Jesus” is compromised by any dealing with Cerberus, a venture capital organization whose sole aim is monetary gain.

  Individuals and organizations allied in this coalition are dedicated to preserving human life from fertilization to natural death.

 Some of the history of Cerberus Management runs counter to the teachings of the Nazarene who walked the hills of Galilee, teaching and healing physically and spiritually. The pieces of silver which are to be exchanged for the eventual sacrifice of the core principles are a deceptive lure into the ultimate escalation of health care costs to be borne by the patient.  The end result will be limited services, as well.

 The Coalition requests that governmental overseers reject any agreement, merger or sale between these two parties.

 We also request that the Archdiocese of Boston cease any further discussion with Cerberus Capital Management L.P., Steward Health Care Systems LLC, or associated parties.

 Caritas Christi must retain not only its existence, but also its core meaning.

                                                                       

                                                                        R. T. Neary, Chairman

                                                                        508-359-4551

                                                                        RTNeary@Verizon.net

Media Information

John O’Gorman  

617-846-2983

LifeJohn@aol.com

July 23, 2010