A Benefitting Conclusion…….#223 (the 90’s)

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A group of concerned Anthony citizens having assembled at the Willson’s residence,  to discuss a means to convince the Hospital Board,  in a revocation of Administrator Lee Adam’s contract.   Financial donations were acquired to compensate a Private Investigator,  and secure a leasing of the Municipal Hall for a publicized town meeting to address the impasse.   The evening of the community town hall meeting,  a show of solidarity present at the Municipal Hall ,  over 100 concerned people in attendance,  Gary and Jan both seated on the stage as current and past hospital representatives,  but neither addressing the congregation.   The oratory conducted by long standing civic prominent citizens,  and as expected,  not a single hospital board member  in attendance.   A straw poll being  conducted by a show of hands,  the tallied count overwhelming for a dismissal of the Hospital Administrator..

. The supposition was broadcast, Lee Adams was going to terminate Jan Willson as Director of Nurses,  but before he could issue the summons,   a message from the hospital nursing staff was delivered to Terry Musick, hospital board chairman,  the bulletin,  the entire nursing staff would  “walk“,   if Jan was removed as Director of Nursing.  Musick placing  an immediate call to the Administrator, Jan’s termination order was halted.   The news of the impending “walk out “ having reached the news desk of KWCH 12 and KSNW channel 3 television in Wichita.   the stations dispatching their mobile broadcasting trucks to Anthony,  the possible nursing walkout an item on the nightly news.   The stalemate continued,  the Hospital Board unwilling to admit an error in judgment,  then an announcement by Doctor Robert Ludwick,   he was vacating his Anthony practice,  and moving to Louisiana,  publicly stating.   “the agitation at the hospital,  was a contributing factor for his decision”.   The news of the respected physicians departure resonating throughout the community,  Leander Adams remaining the topic of conversation at the donut shop.

. A full-page announcement in the Anthony Republican,  the Anthony Hospital Board would accommodate an open public meeting the following week at the old vacated Lincoln Junior High School Gymnasium,  to address the communities concerns about the hospital.  The evening of the meeting,  the gym bleachers  filled to capacity,  the entire hospital board, and Lee Adams, seated on stage.   Terry Musick,  speaking on the board’s behalf, once again endorsing their support for the Administrator.  One by one members of the audience came forward to be recognized,  microphone in hand, displaying their disagreement with the board,  their appeal  having little,  or no effect on those seated on stage.   Gary noticing a huddled crowd around a member sitting in the bleachers,  it was Doctor Jeffrey Bond, the hospital chief of staff,  the surrounding  group encouraging him to speak.

  . The influential doctor having maintained  an outward appearance of neutrality throughout the ongoing ordeal, having spoken with him Jan and Gary,  the couple knowing otherwise.  Standing and addressing the assemblage, the doctor hesitant to speak, a hushed silence radiating in the auditorium,  a pronouncement that his statement would be brief.  He began “It would be in the best interest of the Hospital and Community, if the Board asked for Mister Adams resignation.“    With the applause ringing, Terry Musick acknowledging the public’s concern,  thanking all for their attendance,  stating the Board would take what was conferred under advisement,  and render a decision in an executive session.  The public beginning a slow exit from the building when word filtered down from the stage,  the Hospital Board informally having reached a decision,  they would request Leander D Adams to submit a letter of resignation.  Gary pondering how a simple Halloween prank,  could trigger a life changing event, and their destination on the road of life.

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