By ROB SPAHR Staff Writer, 609-272-7283 (Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2009)
HAMMONTON - AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's satellite emergency department, Kessler Campus, is only a week and a half old, but one doctor says it is already better than its predecessor.
"It's night and day," said Dr. Bill Zwiebel, who worked at Kessler Memorial Hospital for 25 years before it closed March 12. He now works at Kessler Campus as a member of AtlantiCare's emergency department staff.
AtlantiCare took over the E.R. after Kessler Memorial closed, and, Zwiebel said, it immediately began making improvements. On Monday night, AtlantiCare officials updated Town Council on their progress. Zwiebel spoke at the meeting and in an interview with The Press of Atlantic City.
Toward the end of Kessler Memorial, Ziebel said, the emergency department was in disarray: The staff had insufficient supplies and equipment, and sanitary conditions were deplorable, he said.
"I was asked how we were able to work under such pitiful conditions," Zwiebel said. "I said, 'On a wing and a prayer.'"
His prayers may no longer be needed.
AtlantiCare has filled the department with supplies and upgraded equipment, Zwiebel said, and the custodial staff's presence has increased.
"The place is immaculate," he said. "I could eat off the floor."
Zwiebel also said the response of medical evacuation helicopters is also faster. AtlantiCare, which has a helicopter that flies out of the Hammonton Municipal Airport, responds in less than five minutes, he said. The competing provider, which flies out of Voorhees Township, Camden County, has a response time of 18 to 24 minutes, he said.
That is significant. Because of the E.R.'s "satellite" status, many patients will be transferred to other facilities once they are stabilized, Zwiebel said.
Donald Parker, president of AtlantiCare Health Services, said AtlantiCare is also doing minor construction work to make the facility more aesthetically pleasing.
Chief Medical Officer Marilouise Venditti told the council AtlantiCare plans to start an advisory board in Hammonton within the next few months, to determine the community's future health care needs and address them.
She added that AtlantiCare is now the municipality's largest employer, with about 200 employees at its facilities in town.
Is it true that Curio did not support the hospital so Atlantic Care, that is represented by jimmie's brother in law could take it over for nothing? The only cost was the 500 jobs we lost.
Is it true that Curio did not support the hospital so Atlantic Care, that is represented by jimmie's brother in law could take it over for nothing? The only cost was the 500 jobs we lost.
You guys are funny and unsatisfiable. The article states that Dr. Zweibel says the emergency room runs better and is much supplied and stocked with Atlanticare running the ER. That should make most Hammonton residents very happy. Kessler Hospital problems started a long time ago with plenty of blame to go around but blaming a freeholder is very funny.
Is it ashamed that Kessler Hospital had to close because it could not sustain itself....yes. Anyone who worked at the hospital knew it was not being managed properly besides the ER dept.
When, if ever, will Atlanticare be able to purchase the entire hospital? Those in the town that care about more than money and "what we can get out of something" would like to know when we will have a hospital we can be proud of run by Atlanticare with all the bells and whistles. What's standing in the way? Kesslers Board or Kessler's Foundation? There is no more Kessler so why do these people still get a say. Get lost and go to work like the rest of us so we can have a hospital to be proud of and able to confidently rely on in our time of need. It would also bring with it plenty of jobs for those laid off. Those that want to work because several I've spoken don't seem in any hurry to get jobs. The truly dedicated will be there polished and ready to work hard and they always have.
It is really unfair to post things that are not true based upon speculation. The following is the headline of an article from www.politickternj.com "CURCIO AND GIORDANO CALL ON CORZINE TO BRING EMERGENCY HOSPITAL FUNDING TO SOUTH JERSEY" Curcio is quoted as stating in the article as saying If Governor Corzine sits back and forces Kessler Memorial Hospital to permanently close its doors, tens of thousands of residents who live within 20 miles that depend on the hospital will see the dramatic increases in the time it takes to receive emergency medical treatment, said Curcio. Peoples lives may very well hang in the balance. The full articile can be found at www.politickernj.com/acrc/26321/curcio-and-giordano-call-corzine-bring-emergency-hospital-funding-south-jersey It is Corzine who decided to forget about South Jersey and not Jim Curcio and the Freeholder Board.
It is really unfair to post things that are not true based upon speculation. The following is the headline of an article from www.politickternj.com "CURCIO AND GIORDANO CALL ON CORZINE TO BRING EMERGENCY HOSPITAL FUNDING TO SOUTH JERSEY" Curcio is quoted as stating in the article as saying If Governor Corzine sits back and forces Kessler Memorial Hospital to permanently close its doors, tens of thousands of residents who live within 20 miles that depend on the hospital will see the dramatic increases in the time it takes to receive emergency medical treatment, said Curcio. Peoples lives may very well hang in the balance. The full articile can be found at www.politickernj.com/acrc/26321/curcio-and-giordano-call-corzine-bring-emergency-hospital-funding-south-jersey It is Corzine who decided to forget about South Jersey and not Jim Curcio and the Freeholder Board.
If your going to counter and say people are speculating then you should give an outside source. You quoted an article from the Atlantic County Republican Committee not the Press of Atlantic City or Courier Post. Politickernj is just a blog. Funny how the Hammonton Republican website makes no mention of Curcio doing anything for Kessler. Then again he's not a full time "Hammonton" Republican." We only see or hear from him on election years.
An article was published by the Atlantic City Press on January 3, 2009 by Thomas Barlas, Staff Writer for the AC Press. It was on page C5. There isn't a hyperlink to it since the article is now archieved on the AC press website.
An article was published by the Atlantic City Press on January 3, 2009 by Thomas Barlas, Staff Writer for the AC Press. It was on page C5. There isn't a hyperlink to it since the article is now archieved on the AC press website.
So the article confirms that the only thing Curcio did in regards to Kessler was make a speech in the 2009 election year. My uncle said the same thing to the Press and he's not an elected official.