University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, Regent Paul Kenney and Clarkson Regional Health System President William Lydiatt, MD, spoke with members of the Nebraska Legislature Wednesday morning in a briefing about today’s University of Nebraska Board of Regents vote on sole governance of Nebraska Medicine.
The regents meeting had been postponed from Jan. 9 after legislators asked for more information about the proposal. Wednesday, Drs. Gold and Lydiatt and Regent Kenney broke down the proposal for an audience that included 37 members of the Legislature, filling much of the Warner Chamber of the state capital, as well as UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD.
Regent Kenney said the proposal, in which the University of Nebraska would purchase CRHS’s 50% ownership in Nebraska Medicine, stayed true to the vision that helped Nebraska grow Nebraska Medicine into a world-class medical institution.
“The shift allows us to continue delivering high-quality care that our patients expect,” he said. “It strengthens the alignment between the mission of Nebraska Medicine and academic vision of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.”
Dr. Gold said the proposal was in the best interest of the people of Nebraska and explained why.
“It will ensure the continued academic partnerships of high clinical value and quality workforce development for rural and urban communities,” he said. “It will work to ensure the benefits of the cutting-edge clinical research as it relates to small and large communities across the state. It will ensure the quality and safety of the programs that are administered through Nebraska Medicine, which beyond any shadow of doubt is currently an extremely well-run, well-managed and well-governed organization that must be sustained.”
Dr. Lydiatt said that in exiting the partnership, and offering its stake to the university at a price roughly half its valuation, Clarkson was positioning itself to create the Clarkson Institute, a philanthropic foundation that will pursue the vision of Nebraska as the nation’s healthiest state.
“Our initial focus will be on behavioral health and wellness for new moms and new babies, as these are consistently top needs assessments done to evaluate the opportunities for improvement,” he said. “In addition, we are focused on building a workforce and talent pool required to pursue excellence in health care.”
Following the meeting, Dr. Davies expressed appreciation for the opportunity to have further dialogue with the Senators, with Dr. Lydiatt articulating CHRS’s clear initiatives to withdraw from the joint operating agreement as the impetus for the discussions.
Dr. Davies also was excited to hear about Clarkson’s future plans.
“Clarkson Regional Health System’s desire with this foundation is to address major health issues that impact all Nebraska,” he said. “This is a win-win for Nebraskans.”
Drs. Lydiatt and Gold answered many questions from the legislators, providing open and transparent dialogue.