Chairman Taylor also asked for input concerning advisory boards making recommendations for prospective members. Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson indicated that the names that were submitted from the Hospital Board of Trustees were people that frequently served on advisory boards. He advised that he felt it was an injustice to the community when regular middle class citizens are not chosen.

Former Hospital Board Chairman Brisson advised that the names that were submitted to the Board of Commissioners were only suggestions and that none of the citizens had been contacted by the Hospital Board. Hospital Administrator David Masterson advised that the nominations committee met and recommendations came from the full Hospital Board. He indicated that names with specific skill sets were mentioned because of direction included in the Hospital Bylaws.

Commissioner Blanks advised that she was highly offended and that there were many mistruths in the Bladen Journal’s article regarding comments that she made during a Commissioners meeting about the makeup of the Hospital Board of Trustees. Dr. Blanks advised that she did not feel it was appropriate to change the hospital bylaws without input from the Hospital Board of Trustees.

Commissioner Moore advised that she was offended because there were no minority names submitted for consideration to serve on the Hospital Board of Trustees. She also advised that there will be sufficient minority representation on the Hospital Board of Trustees.

Commissioner J. Smith welcomed Ms. Linda Baldwin to the Hospital Board of Trustees.

Commissioner Moore advised that she had heard comments in the community that “race doesn’t count.” She stated that race does count and the minorities will hold their positions.

Commissioner Neill advised that he had served on the Hospital Board of Trustees in the past. He indicated that he did not feel like the comments that were in the Bladen Journal came from the reporter that was covering this meeting. He urged better communication and more cooperation. Mr. Neill advised that papers will sell better if animosity is created.

Commissioner Moore advised that she is interested in having a commissioner serve on the Hospital Board of Trustees. She indicated that discussion regarding a commissioner serving on the Hospital Board is where the subject of increasing the size of the Hospital Board of Trustees originated.

Hospital Board member Brisson advised that he felt obligated to speak because he was Chairman of the Hospital Board at the time recommendations to the Board of Trustees were sent to the Board of Commissioners. He advised that Dr. Hoskins is the Chairperson now. Mr. Brisson advised that the issue was thoroughly discussed and the Board tried to stagger the terms of its members. He indicated that it is very time consuming for volunteers to serve on boards such as the Hospital Board. He stated that at the time, the Hospital Board was filling many vacancies and addressing changes that were occurring within the Hospital as well as working with a budget crisis. Mr. Brisson reiterated the fact that the people appointed to this Board are truly concerned about healthcare in Bladen County. He summarized discussions held by the Board of Trustees and apologized for any miscommunications.

Hospital Administrator David Masterson advised that the Board of Trustees wants an interdisciplinary skill set on the Board. He advised that there are many skill sets to consider as a Board is developed. Hospital Board Member Lewis Dowless advised that the Board tried to abide by the Hospital Bylaws when it submitted prospective members’ names to the Commissioners. He acknowledged that the Board of Trustees is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and it respects the decisions made by the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Dowless indicated that the Hospital Board will provide the needed criteria to the Board of Commissioners in the future and that both Boards need to move forward.

Commissioner L. Smith recommended that the Hospital Board of Trustees remain a seven member board. He was of the opinion that the minority ratio on that Board was fair.

Commissioner Blanks advised that if seven members are satisfactory with the Hospital Board of Trustees, then she is comfortable with seven members.

Hospital Board Chairperson Dr. Hoskins advised that members of the Board of Trustees appreciate the opportunity to serve and that they are proud of Bladen County Hospital. She advised that the Hospital provides quality personalized care, and if the hospital doesn’t survive, many people will not have access to care. Dr. Hoskins concluded by saying that the hospital treats patients without regard to color, creed, or anything else and advised that the cost to deliver care is more than what the hospital is reimbursed. She advised that the hospital provides primary care to patients and expressed appreciation to the Board of Commissioners for its support and cooperation.

Chairman Greg Taylor thanked everyone for attending the meeting and expressed appreciation to the Hospital Board of Trustees for the work it does.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.