Staffing shortage was a temporary gap

I read Rick West's "Advocate Sherman Hospital rescheduling elective surgeries due to a lack of anesthesia providers" with interest. However, I would like to clarify that this gap in anesthesiologist coverage at Advocate Sherman Hospital is not due to a lack of anesthesiologists in the region or in the state of Illinois. The hospital chose to end the contract of an anesthesiologist group that has provided quality care for many years to the community. The hospital contracted with a different group, but the process of contracting and onboarding the new group created a gap of time without full anesthesia services.

We will continue to monitor the current situation and be a resource to the community and our anesthesiologists impacted by these events. We want your readers to know there are thousands of anesthesiologists in Illinois, ready and able to keep them safe during surgery

Brian Birmingham, President

Illinois Society