I have to say this has affected the way that I look at Erlanger now. I run a construction company in Chattanooga and we are always dealing with hot hydraulic fluid hoses. Machine parts, and with dealing with heavy equipment you never know what may happen. I have seen allot of burns come from fluid. As well as burning brush and trees as we clear lots for a new site.I have seen many fires from equipment that over heated and hoses that have busted causing a fire.I understand the risk but just knowing help would be there was a little relief.And I am frightened for the firemen who risk there lives to safe ours in a situation that may get out of control. I do not understand how Erlanger can just shut the down without any notice to anyone. Including the staff that works for the unit. I keep reading that Erlanger has taken this action in the best interest for it patients, but did they ask or even look how it really may affect us? To me if someone was wanting to look out for my best interest I would like to be involved in the conversation.It appears from my end that Erlanger was looking after Erlanger. (Not me, or the firemen, or the community workers, or the family's that may not be able to go to another city or state if their loved ones get burned.)
Even with Medical Coverage what would we do as a family if a burn happened? How could the average person afford to go stay in another State or 150 miles away to be with your loved one who is injured?I do not understand this. I guess to me if there was at least a notice of this. I understand that Erlanger has the right to open and close any unit that it may choose. Who are we to tell them? However for them to be open one day and shut down the next without any notice. Not even to the staff, that does not seem to be in the best interest to me. If they were going to do this for the Chattanooga area to give us better care as they claim. Why did they not address Chattanooga people before an immediate shutdown?