National Nurses United (NNU) reported that nurses in the New Orleans area approve of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decision to prevent the proposed agreement between HCA Healthcare and LCMC Health.
The proposed acquisition has been met with opposition from nurses, and the FTC is conducting a review to assess potential violations of federal antitrust laws. The proposed deal’s impact on healthcare costs and access in New Orleans is a concern.
“We’re glad to see the FTC’s intervention,” said Calia Chavis, RN, who works in Tulane’s Abdominal Transplant Unit. “Nurses know that consolidation is bad for our community. LCMC has already said that they intend to close Tulane Medical Center, leaving an important part of our city without access to care. We’re hopeful that a proper review of this deal will find that it’s a bad deal for the people of New Orleans, as it threatens to destroy vital health care services.”
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“Consolidation like this means service shutdowns, and anti-competitive business moves like this mean increased prices for our patients, who already struggle to get and afford the care that they need and deserve,” said Mea Ratcliff, RN, who works in Tulane’s Transplant Clinic. “Make no mistake, mergers and acquisitions like this only serve to increase profits for corporate healthcare at the expense of patients, nurses, and communities.”
Nurses believe LCMC’s proposed acquisition of Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, Tulane Lakeside Hospital in Metairie, La., and Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, La., represents a serious threat to healthcare access and costs in New Orleans and beyond.
