Pitts Tactics Grate on Grady

By Bill Loughrey
Posted Wednesday, November 1, 2006

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Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts’ proposed resolution to the County Commission to establish a Blue Ribbon Panel on Grady Hospital is the “height of hypocrisy,” according to Bill Loughrey, candidate for the position (currently held by Mr. Pitts )and the longest serving member of the Grady Board of Directors.

“Pitts’ suddenly converted himself into a Grady fan following his strong criticism of Grady during two televised debates this week. He can’t have it both ways," said Loughrey. “This is yet another Pitts’ flip-flop on an issue of vital importance to Fulton County residents.

“Furthermore, Pitts is proposing a study which will delay actions the state legislature needs to take early next year to strengthen Grady operations and its long term financial condition. I have worked hard to see to it that kids in the inner city get the same high quality health care as the kids in the suburbs. The delays resulting from Pitts’ last minute conversion will only frustrate that effort. The Ten Point Plan I proposed several days ago is timed to coincide with the upcoming legislative session.”

Ron Marshall, President of the New Grady Coalition, a broad based community organization concerned with improving the quality of healthcare in Atlanta, said “We have tried repeatedly for four years to get the Fulton County Commission to establish a Blue Ribbon Panel on Grady Hospital, and every year we were rebuffed by Robb Pitts and other members of the Commission. It does not make any sense that Mr. Pitts would suddenly decide to ask for such a panel.”

The Fulton County Commissioners appoint the majority of trustees of Grady, and thus have final authority at the hospital. "We have sent Pitts and the Fulton County Commissioners boxes of evidence over the past four years regarding corruption at Grady hospital. Pitts ignored us, but Bill Loughrey has worked with us shoulder to shoulder to correct problems, stop corruption, and improve patient care,” Marshall said.

“Pitts, as a Fulton Commissioner, had responsibility for Grady oversight He had years to address Grady problems. Now, he is trying to blame Loughrey for the failings of the Fulton Commission!

“Robb Pitts is largely responsible for the current condition of Grady, and his blame of Loughrey is gutter politics at its worst!” said Marshall.

Marshall noted that Loughrey has met consistently with the New Grady Coalition, and has accompanied them to Washington asking for integrity and accountability at Grady. “Grady is one of the largest hospitals in the nation, and it is imperative that it be operated out in the open for all to see,” stated Marshall.

Loughrey noted that Pitts’ proposal follows, by just a few days, the announcement of his ten point action plan to further improve Grady. “Imitation may be the greatest form of flattery, but in this case, Mr. Pitts is clearly launching a desperate last minute attempt to stem the growing tide against his candidacy. It won’t work.”

As a member of the Grady Board of Directors, Loughrey played a key role in the historic turnaround of the hospital, achieving $100 million in annual savings and efficiencies without cutting services to county residents and has worked diligently to address the issues of administrative reform, waste and corruption.

“Grady Hospital is a major asset used by residents throughout the metropolitan area,” said Loughrey. “I have been on the Grady Board for many years, and my Ten Point Plan for Grady will help make Grady one of the great hospitals in the United States. Unfortunately, Commissioner Pitts has done nothing to guide and redirect Grady operations over the past four years. His sudden interest comes at a very interesting time, one week before his bid for re-election.”

For further information on Bill Loughrey’s campaign to unseat Robb Pitts, including information on his 10 Point Plan for Grady Hospital, please visit his website, http://www.billloughrey.com.

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