Illinois' Cook County Hospital: Oak Forest Hospital Service and the Effects of Stroger's budget cuts

After reading Mr. Nance's description of events that occcurred at Oak Forest, I was shocked at first. How could any hospital act in such an inefficient manner. Shouldn't a hospital be able to provide services in a timely manner and provide medication to someone who needs it? And as for their referrals to the clinics, shouldn't the clinics be able to serve every patient that comes to its doors? The sad truth, especially for the Cook County Health System, is that they can't. Oak Forest Hospital, which is part of the Cook County Health System is one of the last hopes for many people who don't have medical insurance. Because of limited funds, especially now, care cannot be given to everyone in an instant. For Freddy, who was quite upset that he had to wait, didn't even take into consideration that he was not being turned away. How many hospitals would let you stay in their emergency room, without insurance or any funding just so you can get medication. And despite the changes that are happening now with the bill collectors and possible prepay visits, PATIENTS W/O INSURANCE ARE STILL GETTING THEIR MEDICATION AND MEDICAL CARE FOR FREE! For someone who has "severe trauma" should be grateful that he didn't have to pay for the medication and that he was getting the medication without paying before recieving them. I have a huge sum of money deducted from my paycheck just for my insurance, and I still won't get jack unless I give the copay. But what does Freddy do? He complains that he is not getting this free medication on time.

Freddy should know that the clinics also serve these patients who don't have funding as well. There are many patients who can't do a followup at a hospital so just as the medication, they go to these places to recieve free care as well. Because of the cuts in funding, which equate to less help and presently, clinic closings, more patients have to go to fewer places which means that there is going to be a line of people in front of you and you may have to get on a list if you can. Freddy, there are only so many people that can be treated on a given day at a clinic with the limited amount of help available. But once again, Freddy, with his accumulated degrees fails to see and understand this, only thinking of himself instead of seeing the much bigger and sadder picture.

This brings brings me back to Freddy. After looking at his many degrees, you would think a man of great academic scholarship, would have the ability to at least secure some kind of income so he wouldn't have to depend on the kindness of the welfare state. Indeed, it has been shown that an education will not only advance you intuitively, but financially as well. The county system was based for people in need and those who don't have the resources. But with his education that includes a masters degree, a certification in addictions counseling, as well as a few others, and I think there's a doctorate in there somewhere, you would think that Freddy would have the capability of utilizing that knowledge to advance his own welfare, instead of squandering it away on writing blogs on how a free helping system he is trying to take advantage of, is not giving him high priced care.