South County Health loses hematology oncologist providers, blames 'chronic underfunding'

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – South County Health , a large health care system in Washington County, has lost its hematology oncology providers to resignations, according to a newsletter from Chief Medical Officer Kevin Charpentier.

The newsletter, dated June 28, blamed “chronic underfunding of the health care delivery system” as the cause of the resignations. The hospital sought ways to create financial sustainability, but discussions seem to have led to internal conflict.

“During our exploration of alternatives there emerged a divergence in perspectives regarding partnerships that might potentially bridge the ever-widening financial gap. Additionally, a recent convergence of coverage issues, provider transitions and support staff turnover created a perfect storm of staffing challenges at the provider level,” Charpentier explained. “In response to the entirety of the events, our hematology oncology providers have recently tendered their resignations.”

South County Health’s website still lists four physicians and a nurse practitioner among its providers for hematology oncology care. It is unclear who, if anyone, remains on staff.

In a statement provided by Sarah Toatley, a South County Health spokesperson, the hospital declined to comment on the resignations.

“As an organization, we refrain from discussing specific personnel matters publicly. It is not uncommon for personnel changes to occur within an organization of our size. When providers leave for any reason, we have comprehensive strategies in place to ensure that patients continue to receive safe, high quality care,” the statement said.

South County Health said it remained committed to “providing and growing comprehensive community cancer care for the residents of Washington County and beyond.”

“This includes the same elements of medical, radiation and surgical oncology, along with supportive and ancillary services, we have always offered,” the statement continued.

Hematology oncologists treat blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and blood-related diseases, such as sickle cell disease and anemia. In Rhode Island, 14.4 people out of 100,000 are diagnosed with leukemia, according to the federal National Cancer Institute. About 19 out of 100,000 are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: South County Health loses hematology oncologist providers, blames 'chronic underfunding'