The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) and the Department of the Attorney General (AG) announce two opportunities for Rhode Islanders to give comment on the proposed conversion of Roger Williams Hospital, Roger Williams Medical Center, St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island and CharterCARE Health Partners. HEALTH and AG accepted the application for review earlier this month. The initial application is available for review at http://www.health.ri.gov/merger/stjoerogerwilliams/application/questions.pdf
“HEALTH wants Rhode Islanders to give us feedback on this proposed hospital conversion,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “Public input in this first-ever hospital conversion application is extremely important.”
Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, too, stressed the importance of public input in the proposed hospital conversion, saying, “In a matter that so directly impacts on medical care and health-care services in our state, it’s essential that members of the public make their voices heard and their opinions known. These meetings provide that opportunity.”
The public informational meetings are scheduled for:
Wednesday, May 27, 6-8 p.m.; Rhode Island College, Foreman Center Room C, 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence Wednesday, June 3, 10 a.m. – noon; Rhode Island College, Gaige Auditorium, 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence
The public is also invited to submit written comments regarding the proposed hospital conversion. Written comments must be submitted by June 17, 2009. Any comments received after this date may not be considered. Written comments may be submitted at either of the public informational meetings or may be sent to:
Health Care Conversion Team Fernanda da Costa Department of Attorney General Department of Health 150 South Main Street 3 Capitol Hill, Room 410 Providence, RI 02903 Providence, RI 02908