Dartmouth-Hitchcock blames state for NH Hospital staffing woes

CONCORD - In its formal reply to allegations of understaffing at the state psychiatric hospital, Dartmouth-Hitchcock points the finger at state officials, claiming that, "Efforts to hire and retain personnel at New Hampshire Hospital have been rendered impossible by the actions of DHHS, the Executive Council and the governor's office."

The letter from attorney Michael Connolly with the firm Hinkley Allen of Concord was delivered to Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeffrey Meyers on Friday in response to a letter from Meyers last week alleging contract violations and demanding remedies.

In the letter, Dartmouth-Hitchcock admits to "minor deviations from the strict contractual terms," but claims they were acknowledged and accepted by DHHS, and that Dartmouth-Hitchcock "continued to perform under the agreement without notice or complaint."

By failing to raise the issue on any previous occasion, and by undermining the hospital's recruitment efforts, the state forfeits any right to enforce the sanctions outlined in Meyers' notice, according to Connolly.

Read more: http://www.unionleader.com/Dartmouth-Hitchcock-blames-state-for-NH-Hospital-staffing-woes