Olean, N.Y.-based Southern Tier Anesthesiologists' supporters will hold a rally Sept. 20, rebuking Olean General Hospital's decision to drop the provider, the Olean Times Herald reports.
Here's the rundown:
1. Some city and county officials plan to attend the rally, which was organized by former Olean Common Council President Rick Smith. Community members have held protests, distributed lawn signs and petitions and created a Facebook group with more than 2,800 members in support of STA.
2. In August, Olean General Hospital announced it would end its 24-year relationship with STA and switch to Buffalo, N.Y.-based Great Lakes Anesthesiology beginning Jan. 1, 2019. Great Lakes reportedly offered a lower services contract bid that would save OGH "several million dollars."
3. OGH board members reopened negotiations with STA in response to a resolution passed by the Olean Common Council, but board members concluded the financial gap between the anesthesia groups' bids was too large to continue with STA.
4. However, STA members have reportedly said they offered to match Great Lakes' offer.
5. OGH's decision will force STA's six anesthesiologists, two certified registered nurse anesthetists and two office employees to move to another area or disband.
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