I am writing to express to you my concerns about the impending closure of the St. Luke's NICU. My daughter, Mica, was born at St. Lukes last December. Her birth was attended by a Homestyle midwife. The birth was wonderful and without complication, but when she was born Mica had excessive fluid in her lungs and needed to be under an oxygen hood for 24 hrs, and on IV antibiotics for another 24 hrs. Although we live across town, we chose St. Lukes because of Homestyle Midwifery. We have private insurance and wanted a midwife group that could support me in my decision to try to deliver without pain medication. After interviewing other midwife groups around the city, Homestyle was the only one that was truely equipped to help me. Closing the NICU at St. Lukes, and the ensuing fallout to the birth practicioners that use the hospital, would be a tremendous loss to the birthing community of this city.
Thank you for considering my concerns,
Sarah Reed
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Dear Dr. Brotman,
I am a resident of the Mission and I gave birth to my first child at St. Luke's last October. After extensive hospital visits and research, I chose St. Luke's above all other options in the city because of its affiliation with Homestyle Midwifery. I am privately insured, and could have chosen one of the cross-town hospitals that are, perhaps, considered more "state of the art." However, what we wanted was quiet, non-intrusive, respectful care close to our home. We found it at St. Luke's. I was very grateful not to have to travel across town at the height of my labor. Upon arriving at St. Luke's, I found the attending doctor and nurse to be kind, supportive, and very respectful of our desire for an unmedicated birth. It was due to our extremely positive birth experience at St. Luke's that I chose to keep my gynecological care with Dr. Laura Norell after my birth. I know many women who have done the same. I have resources and choices that many of my neighbors here in the southern section of San Francisco do not have, and I can easily go to any doctor or hospital that I choose. I wonder what will happen to the people who do not have fancy insurance, or vehicles in which to traipse across town, when they need medical care. SF General is already overloaded, and from my friend's most recent experience there, if you aren't a trauma case, it may take hours to be seen there. For my next child, if birth at St. Luke's were not available, I would probably not choose CPMC, due to the fact that they have a reputation for a more conservative birthing program. I guess I would have to—somewhat begrudgingly—choose UCSF, due to the fact that they do work with midwives and doulas. But I would certainly prefer to stay in the neighborhood. Sutter sites the fact that St. Luke's is losing money as a good reason to close the hospital. I can't help but think that if St. Luke's were considered overall to be a better hospital, that it would draw manymore privately insured individuals, like myself, from nearby—and increasingly affluent—neighborhoods, such as Eureka Valley, NoeValley, Glen Park, and Bernal Heights. Rather than closing St Luke's, why not overhaul it, market it, and draw some of those private-pay clients, who would prefer not to go across town? It is my sincere hope that the needs of our community will be reconsidered, and that instead of closing St, Luke's, Sutter Health will instead strive to raise the level of medical care there in all departments and thus provide much-needed services to all residents of the southern part of our city.
Sincerely,
Sara Hale
I am a resident of the Mission and I gave birth to my first child at St. Luke's last October. After extensive hospital visits and research, I chose St. Luke's above all other options in the city because of its affiliation with Homestyle Midwifery. I am privately insured, and could have chosen one of the cross-town hospitals that are, perhaps, considered more "state of the art." However, what we wanted was quiet, non-intrusive, respectful care close to our home. We found it at St. Luke's. I was very grateful not to have to travel across town at the height of my labor. Upon arriving at St. Luke's, I found the attending doctor and nurse to be kind, supportive, and very respectful of our desire for an unmedicated birth. It was due to our extremely positive birth experience at St. Luke's that I chose to keep my gynecological care with Dr. Laura Norell after my birth. I know many women who have done the same. I have resources and choices that many of my neighbors here in the southern section of San Francisco do not have, and I can easily go to any doctor or hospital that I choose. I wonder what will happen to the people who do not have fancy insurance, or vehicles in which to traipse across town, when they need medical care. SF General is already overloaded, and from my friend's most recent experience there, if you aren't a trauma case, it may take hours to be seen there. For my next child, if birth at St. Luke's were not available, I would probably not choose CPMC, due to the fact that they have a reputation for a more conservative birthing program. I guess I would have to—somewhat begrudgingly—choose UCSF, due to the fact that they do work with midwives and doulas. But I would certainly prefer to stay in the neighborhood. Sutter sites the fact that St. Luke's is losing money as a good reason to close the hospital. I can't help but think that if St. Luke's were considered overall to be a better hospital, that it would draw manymore privately insured individuals, like myself, from nearby—and increasingly affluent—neighborhoods, such as Eureka Valley, NoeValley, Glen Park, and Bernal Heights. Rather than closing St Luke's, why not overhaul it, market it, and draw some of those private-pay clients, who would prefer not to go across town? It is my sincere hope that the needs of our community will be reconsidered, and that instead of closing St, Luke's, Sutter Health will instead strive to raise the level of medical care there in all departments and thus provide much-needed services to all residents of the southern part of our city.
Sincerely,
Sara Hale
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
PLEASE SAVE ST. LUKES
I chose St. Luke’s for several reasons: it has one of the lowest Caesarean rates in the country, because it offered a home-style birth in a hospital setting and it was close to my home. This turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
The midwives at Home-style Midwifery and Dr. Norrel provided impeccable care throughout my pregnancy and birth, beyond what I could have imagined from the medical industry. I was given very clear, thorough and up-to-date information in all areas of pregnancy and birth, allowing me to make informed decisions about my pregnancy. I was given a lot of love and support from the Home-style team, which helped me come to terms with new motherhood.
What could have been a potentially traumatizing birth experience, (3+ days of labor and virtually no sleep) turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Seeing the familiar faces of the midwives and my doula gave me a great deal of courage and sense of security. It was comforting to be coached by women whom I had come to know well, alleviating much of my fear and pain. Thankfully, I gave birth to a very healthy, happy, and strong little boy. I believe given the length of my labor, I would have ended up with a C-Section and perhaps other interventions had I been admitted to another hospital. At St. Luke’s, I was given the time to birth my son naturally and to experience one of the most incredible and challenging rites of passages I will ever know.
In today’s world, most hospitals are medical bureaucracies of records and technology, and the human side of health care has taken a backseat. My birth story is one I hold dear to my heart and will tell my son throughout his life. He will know the names Yeshi, Michelle, Becca, Julie, Cynthia and Dr. Laura Norrell. Having shared my story with other mothers, I have found that my experience in the Bay Area is unique. And many women have told me they would choose Home-style for their first or next birth after hearing my story. I am saddened to think of all the women who would lose that chance if St. Luke’s were closed. As far as I know, St. Luke’s is the ONLY place in the Bay Area that offers a home-style birth in a hospital setting. Other hospitals should learn from St. Luke’s, not close it. To do so, would be a great tragedy and disservice to the citizens of San Francisco. I feel extremely fortunate that I, the underinsured, actually had a choice and an opportunity to get the BEST obstetric care in the city. I wish the same possibilities for all women. Please keep St. Luke’s open and please follow in their footsteps in providing healthy and safe care to birthing moms.
Sincerely,
Heather Carpenter and Little Joe
I chose St. Luke’s for several reasons: it has one of the lowest Caesarean rates in the country, because it offered a home-style birth in a hospital setting and it was close to my home. This turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
The midwives at Home-style Midwifery and Dr. Norrel provided impeccable care throughout my pregnancy and birth, beyond what I could have imagined from the medical industry. I was given very clear, thorough and up-to-date information in all areas of pregnancy and birth, allowing me to make informed decisions about my pregnancy. I was given a lot of love and support from the Home-style team, which helped me come to terms with new motherhood.
What could have been a potentially traumatizing birth experience, (3+ days of labor and virtually no sleep) turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Seeing the familiar faces of the midwives and my doula gave me a great deal of courage and sense of security. It was comforting to be coached by women whom I had come to know well, alleviating much of my fear and pain. Thankfully, I gave birth to a very healthy, happy, and strong little boy. I believe given the length of my labor, I would have ended up with a C-Section and perhaps other interventions had I been admitted to another hospital. At St. Luke’s, I was given the time to birth my son naturally and to experience one of the most incredible and challenging rites of passages I will ever know.
In today’s world, most hospitals are medical bureaucracies of records and technology, and the human side of health care has taken a backseat. My birth story is one I hold dear to my heart and will tell my son throughout his life. He will know the names Yeshi, Michelle, Becca, Julie, Cynthia and Dr. Laura Norrell. Having shared my story with other mothers, I have found that my experience in the Bay Area is unique. And many women have told me they would choose Home-style for their first or next birth after hearing my story. I am saddened to think of all the women who would lose that chance if St. Luke’s were closed. As far as I know, St. Luke’s is the ONLY place in the Bay Area that offers a home-style birth in a hospital setting. Other hospitals should learn from St. Luke’s, not close it. To do so, would be a great tragedy and disservice to the citizens of San Francisco. I feel extremely fortunate that I, the underinsured, actually had a choice and an opportunity to get the BEST obstetric care in the city. I wish the same possibilities for all women. Please keep St. Luke’s open and please follow in their footsteps in providing healthy and safe care to birthing moms.
Sincerely,
Heather Carpenter and Little Joe
Dear Dr. Brotman and Mr. Katz,
I gave birth to my son, Oskar Mason, at St. Lukes hospital on January 28, 2006 with the help of Homestyle Midwifery and Nr. Laura Norell. I carefully chose St. Lukes for the unique kind of care offered through St. Lukes and Homestyle. I was well attended to and my desire for a low/no intervention birth centered around my and my baby's needs were met with excellence and grace. I had a wonderful experience at St. Lukes. After taking his first breath, my son stopped breathing and was rushed to the NICU. There he received the most amazing and special care from the NICU nurses led by Dr. Roth. I was able to stay in the hospital with him -- only about 100 feet away -- for the five days he was in the NICU. As a result, we were able to bond and I was able to begin breastfeeding almost immediately. I know from familial experience, that if he had had to be taken to another facility, it would have been traumatic. My sister in law gave birth six months later at a Sutter birthing facility in Santa Cruz with no NICU. Her son had to be taken to another hospital and because of her condition after the birth, she wasn't able to see him for five full days. It was very traumatic for her and her baby. I would not consider giving birth in a hospital without a NICU for that reason. Please protect the unique and high quality care St. Lukes was able to offer my family by keeping the NICU open. The city will not be the same without it.
Sincerely,Rhys Mason
I gave birth to my son, Oskar Mason, at St. Lukes hospital on January 28, 2006 with the help of Homestyle Midwifery and Nr. Laura Norell. I carefully chose St. Lukes for the unique kind of care offered through St. Lukes and Homestyle. I was well attended to and my desire for a low/no intervention birth centered around my and my baby's needs were met with excellence and grace. I had a wonderful experience at St. Lukes. After taking his first breath, my son stopped breathing and was rushed to the NICU. There he received the most amazing and special care from the NICU nurses led by Dr. Roth. I was able to stay in the hospital with him -- only about 100 feet away -- for the five days he was in the NICU. As a result, we were able to bond and I was able to begin breastfeeding almost immediately. I know from familial experience, that if he had had to be taken to another facility, it would have been traumatic. My sister in law gave birth six months later at a Sutter birthing facility in Santa Cruz with no NICU. Her son had to be taken to another hospital and because of her condition after the birth, she wasn't able to see him for five full days. It was very traumatic for her and her baby. I would not consider giving birth in a hospital without a NICU for that reason. Please protect the unique and high quality care St. Lukes was able to offer my family by keeping the NICU open. The city will not be the same without it.
Sincerely,Rhys Mason
Monday, November 19, 2007
We are writing to express our urgent wish that St. Luke¹s Hospital continueto promote and expand its in-patient, midwife-assisted delivery program, as currently carried out by both Homestyle Midwifery and the St. Luke's midwife practice. We feel strongly that the innovative relationship with Homestyleand St. Luke's maternity ward should be preserved, and even expanded within St. Luke's; it has the potential to serve as a point of pride for the hospital and as a model to inspire other maternity centers to reach new levels of excellence in patient care.
Both our babies were delivered by the midwives, and we were exceptionally satisfied with the excellent care that we received at St. Luke's. We have recommended it to many friends and see it as testament to Sutter Health's visionary approach to health care for families. The hospital offers a unique and essential option and we hope that even more families are able to take advantage of this important blend of individualized out- and in-patient services. I delivered two nine and a half pound babies with their support without pain medications!
Wary of many hospitals' high rate of Caesarean Section and the more rushed, haphazard care of other practices, we sought a maternity practice that offered high-quality services to promote a natural birth, while still in a hospital setting. During our first birth, the amazing support of the Homestyle team, in collaboration with the St. Luke's midwives, brought me through a 17-hour labor, with a 5-hour pushing phase, even when I was 15 days overdue. In any other setting, I would have been required to do a Caesarian section. Our first baby, Dahlia Catherine Miner Kapelke, was born on February 15 with the delivery made possible through the excellent work ofboth Yeshi¹s team and the St. Luke¹s staff. She is nearly three now avery healthy girl who was nursed until 22 months which was also made possible through the support of Homestyle. The maternity and post-partum care was so nurturing and supportive that I believe my baby and I benefited from healthier outcomes than we would have in any other circumstances.
We also delivered our second child at St. Luke's through Homestyle and with the assistance of highly competent St. Luke's midwives. Benjamin Miner Kapelke was born June 1, 2007 after a much shorter labor. Once again, St.Luke's and Homestyle honored my instincts and preferences.
This program should be a model for the rest of the country and acelebrated program of Sutter Health. Sutter Health should make every effort to preserve this collaboration and keep the maternity program thriving atSt. Luke's. Much evidence points to the positive outcomes of working with midwives, as well as the cost-effectiveness of this important kind of care. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like to hearmore about our experience.
Meanwhile, thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Charles and Cynthia Kapelke
Sunday, November 18, 2007
March 15, 2007
Martin Brotman
2351 Clay St.
7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115
Dear Mr. Brotman:
I am writing to you to share my enthusiasm and support for the Labor and Delivery program at St. Luke’s Hospital. I delivered my son in September 2004 at St. Luke’s Hospital through Homestyle Midwifery. Late in my pregnancy I developed a condition that increases the risk of stillbirth. Because of this I was in the Labor and Delivery ward for a few days and worked with many nurses and doctors, in addition to the Homestyle midwives. At every level my care was fantastic. I met with Yeshi Neumann and Dr. Laura Norrell to establish a course of action I was comfortable with to induce labor. As a team Dr. Norrell and Yeshi were respectful and receptive to my concerns and at the same time ensured that the safety of me and my baby were the top priority. Working with Homestyle Midwifery and the St. Luke’s staff I was able to naturally deliver a healthy baby. In addition to the doctors and midwives, the Labor and Delivery nurses at St. Luke’s were wonderful. The nurses were sensitive, competent, friendly, very caring, respectful, and responsive. In my opinion, the Labor and Delivery nurses went above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest level of care. The commitment to safe and natural childbirth at St. Luke’s was very evident.
The sentiment that St. Luke’s provides a very important service to families in San Francisco is not one I share alone. I recently asked members of the Golden Gate Mother’s Group to share their thoughts on St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery: these letters are attached.*** In addition, a member of the Golden Gate Mother’s Group recently asked what hospitals were most supportive of natural childbirth in San Francisco. The responses were overwhelmingly in support of St. Luke’s. I have also attached this posting with the responses that relate to St. Luke’s. It is my understanding that changes are being considered at St. Luke’s based on the recent acquisition by CPMC. If any changes are made to St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery, I would strongly encourage those changes to bolster the current program.
Thank you for considering the thoughts of mothers who have experienced first-hand what a wonderful resource St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery is.
Sincerely,
Meredith Kurpius
Martin Brotman
2351 Clay St.
7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115
Dear Mr. Brotman:
I am writing to you to share my enthusiasm and support for the Labor and Delivery program at St. Luke’s Hospital. I delivered my son in September 2004 at St. Luke’s Hospital through Homestyle Midwifery. Late in my pregnancy I developed a condition that increases the risk of stillbirth. Because of this I was in the Labor and Delivery ward for a few days and worked with many nurses and doctors, in addition to the Homestyle midwives. At every level my care was fantastic. I met with Yeshi Neumann and Dr. Laura Norrell to establish a course of action I was comfortable with to induce labor. As a team Dr. Norrell and Yeshi were respectful and receptive to my concerns and at the same time ensured that the safety of me and my baby were the top priority. Working with Homestyle Midwifery and the St. Luke’s staff I was able to naturally deliver a healthy baby. In addition to the doctors and midwives, the Labor and Delivery nurses at St. Luke’s were wonderful. The nurses were sensitive, competent, friendly, very caring, respectful, and responsive. In my opinion, the Labor and Delivery nurses went above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest level of care. The commitment to safe and natural childbirth at St. Luke’s was very evident.
The sentiment that St. Luke’s provides a very important service to families in San Francisco is not one I share alone. I recently asked members of the Golden Gate Mother’s Group to share their thoughts on St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery: these letters are attached.*** In addition, a member of the Golden Gate Mother’s Group recently asked what hospitals were most supportive of natural childbirth in San Francisco. The responses were overwhelmingly in support of St. Luke’s. I have also attached this posting with the responses that relate to St. Luke’s. It is my understanding that changes are being considered at St. Luke’s based on the recent acquisition by CPMC. If any changes are made to St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery, I would strongly encourage those changes to bolster the current program.
Thank you for considering the thoughts of mothers who have experienced first-hand what a wonderful resource St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery is.
Sincerely,
Meredith Kurpius
Mother of Nolan, born 9/18/2004
> Hi Moms***
>
> I am currently with CMPC and just found out that they have very high
> epidural rate and c-section rate. This is very concerning for my
> husband and I because we would like a 'natural birth' (no meds, vaginal
> birth, no IV, etc.) for our son. We are concerning that they won't be
> supportive of our birthing plan.
>
> I heard that St. Luke's might be a better option for me since they are
> more experienced with natural births. However, I am calling out to
> mom's who have had a natural childbirth at CPMC or somewhere else and
> would recommend their medical group, hospital, etc. based on their
> experience.
>
> I am almost in my last trimester so it would be a drag to change now,
> but I want to be sure that I have the birthing experience that I want.
>
> I will post a summary.
>
> Thanks Moms!
Responses Regarding St. Luke’s:
-St. Lukes is fantastic! If you are interested you should check out St. Lukes Women's Center all of the Doctors and Midwives are AWESOME!!! Let me know if you would like any more info.
-I also was at CPMC and it really scared me, the C section rate and the fact that my medical doctor told me they don't allow Doulas in their practice. I politely walked out of her office after telling her that research shows that women who have Doulas feel better about their births. And usually they are shorter. In order for CPMC to have an anesthesiologist on the floor of labor and delivery that doctor needs to administer drugs to 80% of the mothers coming in. And they go door to door and solicit their services.Go to Homestyle Midwifery Program at St. Lukes, it is so fabulous. In the end I ended with a C-section but it was my idea. And not one of my healthcare team mentioned it to me. I was in prolonged labor which very very very rare. I feel really good about my birth. Call them to arrange a tour.415-643-3378 Speak with Yeshi Neumann. Also, homestylemw@... Check out their website too. You won't get Filet Mignon in the hospital afterwards, St. Lukes is a poor hospital, but these women rock and know what they are doing.
-You are right. If you want to go natural switch to St. Lukes or UCSF much more supportive of the natural childbirth. I loved being at CPMC but got the epidural. My pre-natal yoga teacher who's also a doula said she wouldn't deliver babies at CPMC because they really encourage women to get epidurals.
>
> I am currently with CMPC and just found out that they have very high
> epidural rate and c-section rate. This is very concerning for my
> husband and I because we would like a 'natural birth' (no meds, vaginal
> birth, no IV, etc.) for our son. We are concerning that they won't be
> supportive of our birthing plan.
>
> I heard that St. Luke's might be a better option for me since they are
> more experienced with natural births. However, I am calling out to
> mom's who have had a natural childbirth at CPMC or somewhere else and
> would recommend their medical group, hospital, etc. based on their
> experience.
>
> I am almost in my last trimester so it would be a drag to change now,
> but I want to be sure that I have the birthing experience that I want.
>
> I will post a summary.
>
> Thanks Moms!
Responses Regarding St. Luke’s:
-St. Lukes is fantastic! If you are interested you should check out St. Lukes Women's Center all of the Doctors and Midwives are AWESOME!!! Let me know if you would like any more info.
-I also was at CPMC and it really scared me, the C section rate and the fact that my medical doctor told me they don't allow Doulas in their practice. I politely walked out of her office after telling her that research shows that women who have Doulas feel better about their births. And usually they are shorter. In order for CPMC to have an anesthesiologist on the floor of labor and delivery that doctor needs to administer drugs to 80% of the mothers coming in. And they go door to door and solicit their services.Go to Homestyle Midwifery Program at St. Lukes, it is so fabulous. In the end I ended with a C-section but it was my idea. And not one of my healthcare team mentioned it to me. I was in prolonged labor which very very very rare. I feel really good about my birth. Call them to arrange a tour.415-643-3378 Speak with Yeshi Neumann. Also, homestylemw@... Check out their website too. You won't get Filet Mignon in the hospital afterwards, St. Lukes is a poor hospital, but these women rock and know what they are doing.
-You are right. If you want to go natural switch to St. Lukes or UCSF much more supportive of the natural childbirth. I loved being at CPMC but got the epidural. My pre-natal yoga teacher who's also a doula said she wouldn't deliver babies at CPMC because they really encourage women to get epidurals.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Stories of Healing: Health Commission Hearing
From Pamela Zilavy's chronical of her experience of the Hearing to Save St. Luke's
November 13 at the SF Health Commission......
........This was such a great microcosm of San Francisco, your typicalfolks who came in to speak from the heart. It was really a very deep experience.
There was the casually well-dressed Hispanic SF nativewho gave his very impressive credentials, something like Vice President of the Education Commission (??) or something like that,but he came to tell his personal story of his 92-year old grandmother, his last surviving grandmother, who was tired, and was giving up, and he had been told to start thinking about `the next step' and so on. She then broke her hip, ended up at St. Luke’s, was there two nights, and his simple story was so touching. She was treated, taken such good care of, and was healed in the most real sense. That was last year and she has been happy and vibrant and still living on her own since.
There was a woman who gave the appearance of possibly being homeless, who told her story of stumbling into St. Luke's, literally, having gotten off the bus after having been turned away at SFGH, she was full of purulent sores and was essentially given her life back by the incredible care she was given. This is a San Franciscan who, while not educated nor necessarily eloquent in the typical sense, told a supremely personal story that pulled on everyone's heart strings.
...Each speaker had about 2 minutes to speak. There were 3 women who talked about having their babies at St. Luke’s, one with her baby'scord wrapped around her neck 3 times, who was there bouncing happily in her arms, one who while she has PPO insurance chooses to go to St.Luke’s because they saved her roommate who attempted suicide and now that [Psychiatry] unit is closed, and so on....
You can read the whole story of the hearing on our Breaking News blog.
November 13 at the SF Health Commission......
........This was such a great microcosm of San Francisco, your typicalfolks who came in to speak from the heart. It was really a very deep experience.
There was the casually well-dressed Hispanic SF nativewho gave his very impressive credentials, something like Vice President of the Education Commission (??) or something like that,but he came to tell his personal story of his 92-year old grandmother, his last surviving grandmother, who was tired, and was giving up, and he had been told to start thinking about `the next step' and so on. She then broke her hip, ended up at St. Luke’s, was there two nights, and his simple story was so touching. She was treated, taken such good care of, and was healed in the most real sense. That was last year and she has been happy and vibrant and still living on her own since.
There was a woman who gave the appearance of possibly being homeless, who told her story of stumbling into St. Luke's, literally, having gotten off the bus after having been turned away at SFGH, she was full of purulent sores and was essentially given her life back by the incredible care she was given. This is a San Franciscan who, while not educated nor necessarily eloquent in the typical sense, told a supremely personal story that pulled on everyone's heart strings.
...Each speaker had about 2 minutes to speak. There were 3 women who talked about having their babies at St. Luke’s, one with her baby'scord wrapped around her neck 3 times, who was there bouncing happily in her arms, one who while she has PPO insurance chooses to go to St.Luke’s because they saved her roommate who attempted suicide and now that [Psychiatry] unit is closed, and so on....
You can read the whole story of the hearing on our Breaking News blog.
I have been fortunate to have all of my surgeries at St Luke's Hospital. All of these surgeries were successful. Living in the community, I am able to walk to St Luke's. I am happy to come to a place where my native tongue, Spanish, is spoken and I receive good care. The quality of care that I have been receiving is better than I have received in all of my life.
Miguel Cesa
Miguel Cesa
We are saddened by the potential loss of the best hospital. We have been coming to St. Luke's for many years and have been very satisfied and happy with the care all of our family members have received. We have been grateful that St Luke's has had bilingual staff. Having nurses and doctors that speak and understand Spanish made us feel comfortable, welcome and informed.
Yolanda Salas and Princess Zampini
Yolanda Salas and Princess Zampini
Thursday, November 15, 2007
I am writing as a mother, architect and a neighbor.
I am outraged and saddened that you are intending to take away the best center for natural and safe birth in San Francisco. Our daughter was born in June 2006 and we were delighted by the professionalism of Dr. Norrell’s team and Home style Midwifery group. It was a safe and natural birth, like few places offer in this country.Your neighborhood needs you, your specific services are not offer anywhere else in the city. I have to stress the fact that more options for natural Chilbirth have to be provided and not removed. It is a need for those who want to give birth in a safe environment with a natural approach. We want the option. My husband was born at St-Lukes and so his daughter, 33 Years later. We intend to have more kids, we will be absolutely lost if you close this facility.
No other place in San Francisco has been up to our expectations.I believe that you need to hear us. For the future of our family and our children to come, please stay to make our neighborhood a better place with quality services and care.
Sincerely,
Martine Paquin
Your neighborhood
I am outraged and saddened that you are intending to take away the best center for natural and safe birth in San Francisco. Our daughter was born in June 2006 and we were delighted by the professionalism of Dr. Norrell’s team and Home style Midwifery group. It was a safe and natural birth, like few places offer in this country.Your neighborhood needs you, your specific services are not offer anywhere else in the city. I have to stress the fact that more options for natural Chilbirth have to be provided and not removed. It is a need for those who want to give birth in a safe environment with a natural approach. We want the option. My husband was born at St-Lukes and so his daughter, 33 Years later. We intend to have more kids, we will be absolutely lost if you close this facility.
No other place in San Francisco has been up to our expectations.I believe that you need to hear us. For the future of our family and our children to come, please stay to make our neighborhood a better place with quality services and care.
Sincerely,
Martine Paquin
Your neighborhood
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Nov ‘07
Dear Sir/Madame,
The proposed closure of St. Lukes in 2009 and the imminent closure of the emergency services, NICU and pediatric wards is a HUGE mistake!
I had the pleasure of assisting women birthing in St. Lukes hospital, San Francisco over the past few years. I was introduced to St. Lukes early in my doula career. One of the first clients had chosen the Women’s Center at St. Lukes for the birth of her second child. The care during her first labor and birth at CPMC, while technically efficient and safe, left her emotionally fearful and unsatisfied. From that experience, she realized that what she wanted was midwifery care and a down-to-earth community facility. She had a wonderful empowering second labor, which she attributed to St. Lukes hospital.
My initial experience to St. Lukes was repeated time and again through many clients, who sought a childbirth experience which matched their values. Homestyle Midwifery and the midwives is a shining example of quality health care centered on women’s and baby’s best interests.
I am a duel citizen of Ireland and the US. San Francisco is not only a much-loved city by its inhabitants; it is also a well-known city internationally. I first decided to live in the Bay Area while traveling through Australia where fellow back-packers raved about the merits of this west coast city. The neighborhoods are by far the most treasured feature.
The current mission district hospital serves a dynamic and eclectic community. St. Lukes was my local hospital for several years while living in Glen Park. I felt at home in the area along with the Mexican immigrants and other Irish nationals. The model of care at St. Lukes is very similar to the public health care system in Ireland I grew up with. I am saddened and shocked by the prospect of denying local health care services to the neighborhood surrounding St. Lukes. This move to disenfranchise the community reflects poorly on a leading city such as San Francisco.
With hope for a better solution,
Germaine Reidy
Dear Sir/Madame,
The proposed closure of St. Lukes in 2009 and the imminent closure of the emergency services, NICU and pediatric wards is a HUGE mistake!
I had the pleasure of assisting women birthing in St. Lukes hospital, San Francisco over the past few years. I was introduced to St. Lukes early in my doula career. One of the first clients had chosen the Women’s Center at St. Lukes for the birth of her second child. The care during her first labor and birth at CPMC, while technically efficient and safe, left her emotionally fearful and unsatisfied. From that experience, she realized that what she wanted was midwifery care and a down-to-earth community facility. She had a wonderful empowering second labor, which she attributed to St. Lukes hospital.
My initial experience to St. Lukes was repeated time and again through many clients, who sought a childbirth experience which matched their values. Homestyle Midwifery and the midwives is a shining example of quality health care centered on women’s and baby’s best interests.
I am a duel citizen of Ireland and the US. San Francisco is not only a much-loved city by its inhabitants; it is also a well-known city internationally. I first decided to live in the Bay Area while traveling through Australia where fellow back-packers raved about the merits of this west coast city. The neighborhoods are by far the most treasured feature.
The current mission district hospital serves a dynamic and eclectic community. St. Lukes was my local hospital for several years while living in Glen Park. I felt at home in the area along with the Mexican immigrants and other Irish nationals. The model of care at St. Lukes is very similar to the public health care system in Ireland I grew up with. I am saddened and shocked by the prospect of denying local health care services to the neighborhood surrounding St. Lukes. This move to disenfranchise the community reflects poorly on a leading city such as San Francisco.
With hope for a better solution,
Germaine Reidy
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Dear Ms. Li:
I am a working mother who is often too busy to stop for five minutes in the middle of the day. However, I have set aside this time to write you a heartfelt letter about the future of St. Luke’s.
I am alarmed, saddened and outraged about at the potential closing of St. Luke’s. I had my birth at this amazing community hospital. The midwives and nurses there were wonderful, non-intrusive and knowledgeable; I always thought of St. Luke’s as a hidden gem in this city, and told anyone who would listen to get care there. They let me have the kind of birth I wanted. (I live in Bernal Heights, and I can’t imagine having to ride across town to CPMC’s California Street campus while having contractions!) I’ve also been to St. Luke’s emergency room, and had the amazing, personal and quick service that only a community place like St. Luke’s could provide. I have personally known doctors there, and they are of the highest caliber.
But the future of St. Luke’s goes beyond me and my experience. The women’s center at St. Luke’s has always been a busy place; I can’t imagine what scores of women, many low income, some using only public transportation, will do when they need attentive health care, especially for emergencies. Low-income women deserve low intervention, caring births as much as women with private insurance. To me, the move to close St. Luke’s OB and pediatrics is a huge blow to women and another step toward dividing this city between rich and poor. I have always thought of St. Luke’s a model that other hospitals should follow—NOT a place to shut down!
We are a progressive city and our citizens deserve better. Thank you for reading this letter. I don’t consider myself an activist, just a person who cares about this city, families, and the health of our community.
Warmly,
Nora
Nora IsaacsWriter & Editor Isaacs, Ink
I am a working mother who is often too busy to stop for five minutes in the middle of the day. However, I have set aside this time to write you a heartfelt letter about the future of St. Luke’s.
I am alarmed, saddened and outraged about at the potential closing of St. Luke’s. I had my birth at this amazing community hospital. The midwives and nurses there were wonderful, non-intrusive and knowledgeable; I always thought of St. Luke’s as a hidden gem in this city, and told anyone who would listen to get care there. They let me have the kind of birth I wanted. (I live in Bernal Heights, and I can’t imagine having to ride across town to CPMC’s California Street campus while having contractions!) I’ve also been to St. Luke’s emergency room, and had the amazing, personal and quick service that only a community place like St. Luke’s could provide. I have personally known doctors there, and they are of the highest caliber.
But the future of St. Luke’s goes beyond me and my experience. The women’s center at St. Luke’s has always been a busy place; I can’t imagine what scores of women, many low income, some using only public transportation, will do when they need attentive health care, especially for emergencies. Low-income women deserve low intervention, caring births as much as women with private insurance. To me, the move to close St. Luke’s OB and pediatrics is a huge blow to women and another step toward dividing this city between rich and poor. I have always thought of St. Luke’s a model that other hospitals should follow—NOT a place to shut down!
We are a progressive city and our citizens deserve better. Thank you for reading this letter. I don’t consider myself an activist, just a person who cares about this city, families, and the health of our community.
Warmly,
Nora
Nora IsaacsWriter & Editor Isaacs, Ink
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Mr. Martin Brotman, M.D
President and CEO California Pacific Medical Center
2100 Webster St.,#423San Francisco,California 94115
cc: Judy Li, DPH. MBA Chief Administrative Officer
St. Luke's Hospital 3555 Cesar Chavez San Francisco, CA 94110
Mitchell Katz, MDDepartment of Public Health
101 Grove StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102
State Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (12th district)
District Office455 Golden Gate Ave., Suite 14600
San Francisco, CA 94102
State Assembly member Mark Leno (13th district)
District Office455 Golden Gate Ave. Suite 14300
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear Dr. Brotman,
Dear Dr. Brotman,
I am writing to implore you to reconsider the decision to close St. Luke's as an inpatient hospital and cease NCE and pediatric care. We had our baby boy at St Luke's just last March. We switched to a practice working at St. Luke's (Homestyle Midwifery) because we wanted the most support for a natural and non-medicated childbirth in a hospital possible. Throughout my search we learned that many hospitals and practices say that they support whatever the woman decides, and we have no doubt that this is invariably true. However, the decisions that a hospital and doctors recommend are very much guided by many factors present in the "medical model" of childbirth. We didn't want to deliver our baby under this model, yet we weren't comfortable with a home birth either.
About midway through my pregnancy I switched from to St. Luke's because I was not satisfied with the care I was getting. The ob/gyn practice treated my completely normal healthy pregnancy like a potential threat, and my appointments were rushed and the practitioners impatient. I am so grateful that we caught word of the Homestyle practice at St. Luke's, and we were so lucky to get the last spot for the month I was due. I live nearby in the neighborhood Bernal Heights, so the location was even better. We couldn't believe how lucky we were.
My labor and delivery was truly exhilarating. Our son was born perfectly healthy (9 on the apgar) and is still thriving. Since I had lots of childbirth education both from my practitioners and through classes, not once did I ever feel concerned that this labor was going so long, or that I was pushing so long. My midwife and the nurses also never suggested that things were not progressing fast enough, and I never felt threatened enough to have an epidural or other medications. I don't consider the birth of our son a medical event that I had to endure.
Since his birth, I have had some shocked reactions about my practitioners "letting" me labor or push for so long. Since then a few acquaintances of mine (delivering in other states) have had similarly long labors and were led to Cesarean sections due to a "non-progressing labor," or were subtly pressured to have a pitocin and an epidural, although everything else was normal--they were just laboring long. These stories convince me that had I been anywhere other than St. Luke's, I would not be singing the praises I am today--either about the birth experience or about the hospital.
A lot of friends and acquaintance of mine here in the city are becoming aware of St. Luke's and its unique approach. The Homestyle practice is such a unique offering in the Bay Area, that I can imagine many more practices like it, all working in the gem that is St. Luke's. It seems as if there is a real opportunity here to revitalize and infuse St. Luke's with the midwife model of childbirth that is not available at any other hospital in the city.
Tina Joh, Bryan Olson and Cecil Joh
May the stars shine down on you all and allow us success for if not a major crime is being committed. - Yvonne
November 12, 2007
Greetings Mr. Katz,
I understand the Labor and Delivery Maternity Care unit of St. Luke’s is being put forward for closure. I am very distressed by this and urge you and the others involved to reconsider the implications of these actions.
I gave birth to my daughter Isabel on Oct 31, 2005 at St. Luke’s. I found the care I got leading up to my delivery and the care I got throughout my delivery wonderful and the care my daughter and I received during our brief stay after her birth to be top rate as well. But it was much more then “wonderful” and “top rate”…. It was also VERY UNIQUE. I chose St. Lukes for the collaborative care of the midwives and obstetricians (in my case Homestyle Midwifery and Dr. Norrell). I was attracted by their track record of providing safe, low intervention births supported by pediatricians and neonatal intensive care unit. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to experience and work with this warm, nurturing, experienced, and well supported group of individuals. I am proud to say that I had a wonderfully positive and energizing birthing experience that I share with many of individuals and have always been a strong recommender of St. Lukes to others. My dream is that everyone can have the option of this type of amazing birth experience.
Building on this last point I also feel it is critical that the city of San Francisco continue to provide care to all mothers and babies in need – regardless of socioeconomic or ethnic differences. St. Lukes is a critical component of being able to provide this care.
Best regards,
Yvonne Wassenaar
November 12, 2007
Greetings Mr. Katz,
I understand the Labor and Delivery Maternity Care unit of St. Luke’s is being put forward for closure. I am very distressed by this and urge you and the others involved to reconsider the implications of these actions.
I gave birth to my daughter Isabel on Oct 31, 2005 at St. Luke’s. I found the care I got leading up to my delivery and the care I got throughout my delivery wonderful and the care my daughter and I received during our brief stay after her birth to be top rate as well. But it was much more then “wonderful” and “top rate”…. It was also VERY UNIQUE. I chose St. Lukes for the collaborative care of the midwives and obstetricians (in my case Homestyle Midwifery and Dr. Norrell). I was attracted by their track record of providing safe, low intervention births supported by pediatricians and neonatal intensive care unit. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to experience and work with this warm, nurturing, experienced, and well supported group of individuals. I am proud to say that I had a wonderfully positive and energizing birthing experience that I share with many of individuals and have always been a strong recommender of St. Lukes to others. My dream is that everyone can have the option of this type of amazing birth experience.
Building on this last point I also feel it is critical that the city of San Francisco continue to provide care to all mothers and babies in need – regardless of socioeconomic or ethnic differences. St. Lukes is a critical component of being able to provide this care.
Best regards,
Yvonne Wassenaar
I am writing to ask you to please maintain St. Luke's Hospital open for our community.
My son was born at St. Luke's hospital in April of this year. My husband and I chose the care of the Homestyle midwifery practice to support us through this amazing time. The care that we received through our midwives and the staff at St. Luke's was outstanding and far exceeded any expectations.
With 24 hours of patience, warm water and the incredible support that I received, the labor was over with no complications. So many women that I know have spoken of childbirth as this 'traumatic'event that deeply scarred them. I on the other hand feel totally empowered by my experience. I believe that this would not have been the case in another hospital setting. Fear, rather than understanding seems to rule the process of decision making in most other environments. Women, partners and babies have the right to have this chance to feel this empowered and should have the choice to have this kind of support and experience.
Please maintain St. Luke's. It is our neighborhood hospital. Where else will I bring my son when he falls in the playground or at a baseball game? I don't want to have to drive across town in traffic or brave the over-burdened halls of General. We count on St. Luke's and the care that we know we will receive from the people that work there.
Sincerely,
Jaime Gagliardi
My son was born at St. Luke's hospital in April of this year. My husband and I chose the care of the Homestyle midwifery practice to support us through this amazing time. The care that we received through our midwives and the staff at St. Luke's was outstanding and far exceeded any expectations.
With 24 hours of patience, warm water and the incredible support that I received, the labor was over with no complications. So many women that I know have spoken of childbirth as this 'traumatic'event that deeply scarred them. I on the other hand feel totally empowered by my experience. I believe that this would not have been the case in another hospital setting. Fear, rather than understanding seems to rule the process of decision making in most other environments. Women, partners and babies have the right to have this chance to feel this empowered and should have the choice to have this kind of support and experience.
Please maintain St. Luke's. It is our neighborhood hospital. Where else will I bring my son when he falls in the playground or at a baseball game? I don't want to have to drive across town in traffic or brave the over-burdened halls of General. We count on St. Luke's and the care that we know we will receive from the people that work there.
Sincerely,
Jaime Gagliardi
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Hi there,
I am truly saddened that St. Luke's is in danger of closing.
On Christmas Day, 2006, I gave birth to my son Jasper at St. Luke's Hospital. I had received all my prenatal care from the wonderful doctors and midwives at the hospital as well. Throughout my 31-hour labor, the midwives, nurses and doctors were very responsive to my needs and never tried to hurry me along. When I needed vacuum at the end, I felt reassured by the capable team of doctors and nurses that jumped in to attend the procedure. We were also very pleased with the aftercare, and have stayed with the pediatrics group ever since.
I would love to have my second child at St. Luke's as well. I not only had a great experience here myself, but I also support St. Luke's philosophy of being a community hospital. Although we have company-sponsored health insurance, not all Mission residents are so fortunate. I'm sad to see that their only recourse will be a long bus ride to SF General. I myself will definitely not switch to CPMC, as I object to their board's handling of the St. Luke takeover. If St. Luke's is not available, I'll have to choose some other hospital or midwife practice in the city.
I hope the CPMC / Sutter group will reconsider their decision to close the hospital.
Sincerely,
Laura Bergmans
Glen Park resident
Monday, November 12, 2007
THANK YOU FOR RECEIVING OUR WORDS AND TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE HEARD!
The experience I had at St. Luke's revived my hope for medicine and hospitals of the 21st century...
I can't believe how hard it is to find the words that truly embody my experience of this hospital and the people who cared for me there. Each interaction I had was so human, so filled with eye contact, presence and genuine care. I felt held, as a human being, in a way I had never experienced at a hospital. From the woman who took my insurance card, and patiently waited while I phoned my husband to confirm details, to the man who took my blood and told me stories while he drew it, just to help me feel better... Each visit I experienced the deep care and compassion only St. Lukes, with its deep appreciation for diversity and culture, provides. Our postnatal experience was just as rich and satisfying. I will never forget Olive, who showed me the football hold and nursed me and my child back to health just after he was born.
with love and gratitude,
Merrill DeVito
The experience I had at St. Luke's revived my hope for medicine and hospitals of the 21st century...
I can't believe how hard it is to find the words that truly embody my experience of this hospital and the people who cared for me there. Each interaction I had was so human, so filled with eye contact, presence and genuine care. I felt held, as a human being, in a way I had never experienced at a hospital. From the woman who took my insurance card, and patiently waited while I phoned my husband to confirm details, to the man who took my blood and told me stories while he drew it, just to help me feel better... Each visit I experienced the deep care and compassion only St. Lukes, with its deep appreciation for diversity and culture, provides. Our postnatal experience was just as rich and satisfying. I will never forget Olive, who showed me the football hold and nursed me and my child back to health just after he was born.
with love and gratitude,
Merrill DeVito
I also echo the voices in the community pleading for St. Luke's to remain open.
I am lucky enough to have private health insurance and only have to pay a few dollars each month out of my own pocket for healthcare. Cost and access to healthcare has never been my personal concern. However, I ache for my fellow citizens who aren't as lucky as me. When I had an accident earlier this year, the only place I could think of to go for emergency care was St. Luke's - my neighborhood hospital. Dr. David Atkin and the rest of the hospital staff cared for me through my treatment and recovery and I could not have been happier. His compassion for all of his patients, regardless of financial situation, struck me during every office visit. Please keep this vital part of our community open to help all people.
You think you can't afford to keep St. Luke's open? We San Franciscans can't afford to have it closed.
Thank you.
Norma Penson
San Francisco, CA 94131
I am lucky enough to have private health insurance and only have to pay a few dollars each month out of my own pocket for healthcare. Cost and access to healthcare has never been my personal concern. However, I ache for my fellow citizens who aren't as lucky as me. When I had an accident earlier this year, the only place I could think of to go for emergency care was St. Luke's - my neighborhood hospital. Dr. David Atkin and the rest of the hospital staff cared for me through my treatment and recovery and I could not have been happier. His compassion for all of his patients, regardless of financial situation, struck me during every office visit. Please keep this vital part of our community open to help all people.
You think you can't afford to keep St. Luke's open? We San Franciscans can't afford to have it closed.
Thank you.
Norma Penson
San Francisco, CA 94131
Please do not close down St. Luke’s Hospital.
I am a San Francisco native and my family has been receiving care from St. Lukes ever since I can remember. St. Lukes has saved 2 lives in my family and had help other family members recover from illnesses and injuries. The doctors at St. Luke are exceptionally professional and very caring. My doctor has even phoned me over weekends before just to check in with me to see how I was doing. When my mother in-law was out visiting from Michigan, she had become seriously ill. We admitted her into St. Lukes. After the St. Lukes doctors had gotten a hold of my mother in-laws doctors in Michigan, the Michigan doctors commented on how knowledgeable and professional the St. Lukes doctors were. My mother in-laws doctors in Michigan reassured my mother in-law that she was definitely in good hands at St. Lukes. All of my family members that have received medical attention from St. Lukes found the staff very friendly and attentive. Again, Please do not close down St. Luke’s Hospital as this hospital and its staff will be deeply missed and the St. Luke’s patient community will be negatively impacted.
Thank you for listening, -Martha Ortiz - Cobb
I am a San Francisco native and my family has been receiving care from St. Lukes ever since I can remember. St. Lukes has saved 2 lives in my family and had help other family members recover from illnesses and injuries. The doctors at St. Luke are exceptionally professional and very caring. My doctor has even phoned me over weekends before just to check in with me to see how I was doing. When my mother in-law was out visiting from Michigan, she had become seriously ill. We admitted her into St. Lukes. After the St. Lukes doctors had gotten a hold of my mother in-laws doctors in Michigan, the Michigan doctors commented on how knowledgeable and professional the St. Lukes doctors were. My mother in-laws doctors in Michigan reassured my mother in-law that she was definitely in good hands at St. Lukes. All of my family members that have received medical attention from St. Lukes found the staff very friendly and attentive. Again, Please do not close down St. Luke’s Hospital as this hospital and its staff will be deeply missed and the St. Luke’s patient community will be negatively impacted.
Thank you for listening, -Martha Ortiz - Cobb
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Follow up from Mom: Don't close St. Luke's!
Dear Doctors Brotman and Li,
Just a follow-up to my letter of last month, urging you to change
your minds about closing St Luke's. My daughter Julia, who was born
at the hospital, turns two on Wednesday. I continue to be astounded
and moved by the quality of the care I received at her birth.
St Luke's is the community hospital by which I judge all others. It
should be studied and copied, not closed.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Chalmers
28 Eugenia Avenue
San Francisco 94110
Just a follow-up to my letter of last month, urging you to change
your minds about closing St Luke's. My daughter Julia, who was born
at the hospital, turns two on Wednesday. I continue to be astounded
and moved by the quality of the care I received at her birth.
St Luke's is the community hospital by which I judge all others. It
should be studied and copied, not closed.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Chalmers
28 Eugenia Avenue
San Francisco 94110
Friday, November 9, 2007
November 8, 2007
Mr. Martin Brotman, M.D.
President and CEO
California Pacific Medical Center
2100 Webster St.,
#423San Francisco,
California 94115
cc: Judy Li, DPH. MBA
Chief Administrative Officer
St. Luke's Hospital
3555 Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110
Mitchell Katz, MD
Department of Public Health
101 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
State Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (12th district)
District Office
455 Golden Gate Ave., Suite 14600
San Francisco, CA 94102
State Assembly member Mark Leno (13th district)
District Office
455 Golden Gate Ave. Suite 14300
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear Doctor Brotman,
I am writing in solidarity with the many pleas to maintain St. Luke's Hospital open for our community.
Unlike many around me living in the Southeastern part of San Francisco, I am lucky to have private health insurance and had a choice of all the hospitals in the city for delivering my first child. After comparing all the services at the other local hospitals I still found that St. Luke's provided better all around services and in the end my expectations were surpassed.
In February of this year I gave birth to my precious daughter thanks to the wonderful care by my physicians, nurses, midwives and all the staff. My birth, although complicated and long, was made to be the most amazing experience thanks to the supportive, efficient, professional and caring staff at St. Luke's.
I can talk for hours. alone, about how great Dr. Laura Norrell is and she is just one of the many faces. This has been consistent with all the other services, whether it is my great primary care physician Dr. Mina Abazari, the staff, the pharmacy, the classes, etc. I was saddened to learn that even my amazing pediatrician Dr. Sareena Jaspal left due to all this mess.
St. Luke's is too precious of a commodity for it to be closed. Both and I and the community that has been served by St. Luke's needs for you to find another way to maintain this hospital open.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Jacobi
Mr. Martin Brotman, M.D.
President and CEO
California Pacific Medical Center
2100 Webster St.,
#423San Francisco,
California 94115
cc: Judy Li, DPH. MBA
Chief Administrative Officer
St. Luke's Hospital
3555 Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110
Mitchell Katz, MD
Department of Public Health
101 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
State Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (12th district)
District Office
455 Golden Gate Ave., Suite 14600
San Francisco, CA 94102
State Assembly member Mark Leno (13th district)
District Office
455 Golden Gate Ave. Suite 14300
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear Doctor Brotman,
I am writing in solidarity with the many pleas to maintain St. Luke's Hospital open for our community.
Unlike many around me living in the Southeastern part of San Francisco, I am lucky to have private health insurance and had a choice of all the hospitals in the city for delivering my first child. After comparing all the services at the other local hospitals I still found that St. Luke's provided better all around services and in the end my expectations were surpassed.
In February of this year I gave birth to my precious daughter thanks to the wonderful care by my physicians, nurses, midwives and all the staff. My birth, although complicated and long, was made to be the most amazing experience thanks to the supportive, efficient, professional and caring staff at St. Luke's.
I can talk for hours. alone, about how great Dr. Laura Norrell is and she is just one of the many faces. This has been consistent with all the other services, whether it is my great primary care physician Dr. Mina Abazari, the staff, the pharmacy, the classes, etc. I was saddened to learn that even my amazing pediatrician Dr. Sareena Jaspal left due to all this mess.
St. Luke's is too precious of a commodity for it to be closed. Both and I and the community that has been served by St. Luke's needs for you to find another way to maintain this hospital open.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Jacobi
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Dear Editor
I was admitted to St Lukes at 8.30am on the 27th September 2007 after my waters broke at home. The baby was at this point 11 days overdue. Wewere told we would be here for the long haul and the presence of lots of meconium meant they were watching the baby like a hawk.
We were shown into our labour and delivery room on a very busy day. Baby slithered out at 6.47pm She was then whisked to the paediatrician who cleaned her up andpronounced her totally fine despite the meconium. By 9pm the three of us were alone in the roomin slightly dazed amazement just with our new nurse, Erica, who had charming task of clearing up all the blood. We were enraptured by Esme, our little precious bundle 7lb 6oz and 19 inches dark hair with a tuft that stuck up on the crown, a little turnedup nose, sweet pointy chin, petite hands, longish slender legs with aminiature version of Colman¹s feet. Her first full day, Friday 28th, was spent hanging out and dozing with her parents who were getting a handle on feeding, changing, sleeping, photographing our gorgeous baby and avoiding panic at every little gurgle,s igh and snort. We were shown how to bathe the baby, recovery procedures, given medication, attention, care and all with great warmth and humanity. Apparently the full moon always sees a spike in births and while we had been in labour another 4 babies had been delivered around us. We also had a lovely message from my pre-natal doctor, Dr Laura Norrell, whowas really excited to hear our news.
We had a wonderful birthing experience at St Lukes and are horrified and dismayed that the labour and delivery ward is under threat. It turns out that other hospitals we would have been pushed into having a C-section because of the meconium; at St Lukes there was no mention of this possibility at any point. We found all the staff to be fun, human, professional, courteous, down to earth, kind and thoughtful.
Yours sincerely
Nadine Mellor
Colman Stephenson
Esme Stephenson
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Our son, Deven Reid, was born in a natural childbirth on April 5, attended by the excellent caregivers Yeshi, Becca, and the Homestyle Midwifery team. He is now a healthy 7-month old, and I am a healthy mom, thanks in no small part to the excellent care I received.
He was sunny-side up, and took over 26 hours from the time my water broke until he was in my arms. Despite the long time, I was never pushed to ‘hurry up’, never offered drugs I didn’t want, and the team monitored his health and mine to ensure he could come into the world the way he intended to. The doctors @ The Womens Center (Dr. Norrell & Nicol) were always there if needed…but they weren’t.
Before and after the birth, the Homestyle Midwifery team prepared me for the challenges of birth and motherhood, my husband for the responsibilities of fatherhood (as best they could!), and attended to us at home following birth so we didn’t have to travel.
I have spoken with other women in similar situations to mine, all of whom ended up with expensive, painful c-sections and bitter stories about their child’s birth. I am forever grateful to the caring team of birth attendants who assisted my husband and I through a wonderful experience. It would be my sincere hope that more women could receive the level of support and care that I received, so they can birth their children in the way nature intended, and not be pushed to costly drugs and interventions that ultimately harm both mother and child.
I am dismayed that we may not be able to have the same standard of care for any future children, and hope that this is just 1 of many stories to help change the situation @ St. Luke’s to keep this valuable resource open.
- Kate S
He was sunny-side up, and took over 26 hours from the time my water broke until he was in my arms. Despite the long time, I was never pushed to ‘hurry up’, never offered drugs I didn’t want, and the team monitored his health and mine to ensure he could come into the world the way he intended to. The doctors @ The Womens Center (Dr. Norrell & Nicol) were always there if needed…but they weren’t.
Before and after the birth, the Homestyle Midwifery team prepared me for the challenges of birth and motherhood, my husband for the responsibilities of fatherhood (as best they could!), and attended to us at home following birth so we didn’t have to travel.
I have spoken with other women in similar situations to mine, all of whom ended up with expensive, painful c-sections and bitter stories about their child’s birth. I am forever grateful to the caring team of birth attendants who assisted my husband and I through a wonderful experience. It would be my sincere hope that more women could receive the level of support and care that I received, so they can birth their children in the way nature intended, and not be pushed to costly drugs and interventions that ultimately harm both mother and child.
I am dismayed that we may not be able to have the same standard of care for any future children, and hope that this is just 1 of many stories to help change the situation @ St. Luke’s to keep this valuable resource open.
- Kate S
"We urge you to continue the quality of care available at St. Luke's."
Our daughter had her first child at St. Luke's. Ultimatly, she needed to have a C-section and we were very worried and concerned for her safety and that of our grandson. The staff could not have been more kind, helpful, or reassuring. From the aides to the nurses to the doctors, we were constantly treated with respect and informed of what was happening. We live in a community in Oregon that has a hospital that also provides this extended care for the family. Unless you have been in our situation, where a child's health and well being is on the line - as well as their child - you can't know how much the quality of care and support available through the hospital means. We urge you to continue the quality of care available at St. Luke's.
Pat and Al
Pat and Al
Monday, November 5, 2007
Our son Miller John Shea was born two weeks ago on October 19th, at 2:52AM.
We had a successful natural childbirth, and every aspect of our birth plan was respected by the caregivers at the Women's Center. In spite of the late/early hour, and despite her being off shift, Dr. Norrell was present for the birth, but that was no surprise. Her cheerful arrival, after 1am, was just one manifestation of the superb and personal discipline evident throughout the St. Luke's Womens Center. She joined our great midwife Emily and lovely nurse Erica and with our doula Katie they gave us exactly the birth experience we had hoped and planned for.After Miller was born, we were genuinely cared for by a group of nurses including the hospital pediatrician and staff in NICU.
The thorough and earnest nature of the staff was almost a surprise to both of us, but a very welcome one. We were able to shift very gracefully into our new lives as parents with a minimum of stress and nervousness, due in large part to the attentive care given us by the staff at St. Luke's.Long before our son arrived, and many times since, we have spoken to other parents throughout the city and country, and we understand and appreciate the special experience we had with the team at St. Luke's. It saddens us, when we speak to these people, that their birth experiences - possibly the single most important experience they will ever have - were not as joyful as ours. And it stuns us that anyone would have as their goal the removal of an environment that would offer that level of excellence.
It is obvious that the city of San Francisco needs the care offered at St. Luke's, simply from the perspective of a basic accounting of the people in question. This has been borne out by people more qualified than we are. However, what we are eminently qualified to do is advocate the quality of care and service that the group of people at St. Luke's provided, a quality that is not associated with the CPMC or the Sutter Health brand, and which, were we them, we would value far more than they appear to.It is painful to judge that the nature of modern American business is to take that which is good and make it tolerable, in order to squeeze out the last drops of profit.
It is our hope that this short-sightedness can be overcome in this instance, and that as a result, rather than being the aberration of the Sutter Health conglomeration, St. Luke's Women's Center can become the standard through which their product, and brand are rescued.
Our sincerest thanks to those at St. Luke's Womens Center, and to those who advocate on their behalf.
Karen and Pete Shea (and Miller!)
Sunday, November 4, 2007
I sent the letter below after my daughter, Avila, was born in November 2006.
St. Luke’s is a treasure of integrative care for our city and even for the country. I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Makely remarks. “San Francisco should lead the nation in finding solutions. Instead of closing St. Luke's in 2009 as has been proposed, the hospital should be revitalized and held up as an example of what a truly progressive city can achieve.”
--natasha
Martin Brotman, MD, President & Chief Executive Officer, andWilliam Miller, MD, Chief Medical Executive
St. Luke’s Hospital
3555 Cesar ChavezSan Francisco, CA 94110
January 8, 2007
Dear Dr. Brotman and Dr. Miller,
The card on our daughter’s crib read: “We Deliver Happiness,” and you certainly do.
Our experience giving birth to little Avila on November 21st, 2006 with you was more than we could have dreamed of. The care that you provide through Homestyle Midwifery is truly a unique treasure. If your intention is for childbirth and pre/post natal care at St. Luke’s to be both responsible and nurturing, knowledgeable and caring, leading-edge and celebratory, you have unquestionably accomplished it.
We know that your recent merger with CPMC, one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation, will bring a lot of benefit to St. Luke’s. Among the great contributions that you, in turn, will offer to CPMC is the way you honor pregnancy and childbirth through Homestyle Midwifery and your commitment to a gentler, warmer, home-like welcome to babies without compromise to state-of-the-art attention. Like most of the expectant parents we have met through Homestyle, my husband Stephane and I transferred to St. Luke’s care from CPMC, looking for this balance, which unfortunately has become a rarity in today’s childbirth options.
Our hope is that what you have started will spread throughout CPMC and become an example for hospitals throughout the nation and even around the world, offering expecting parents new options, previously unavailable and spreading your delivery of happiness. Please count on us for any support that we may be able to provide in this regard.
With our greatest appreciation,
Natasha and Stephane Giraudie
St. Luke’s is a treasure of integrative care for our city and even for the country. I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Makely remarks. “San Francisco should lead the nation in finding solutions. Instead of closing St. Luke's in 2009 as has been proposed, the hospital should be revitalized and held up as an example of what a truly progressive city can achieve.”
--natasha
Martin Brotman, MD, President & Chief Executive Officer, andWilliam Miller, MD, Chief Medical Executive
St. Luke’s Hospital
3555 Cesar ChavezSan Francisco, CA 94110
January 8, 2007
Dear Dr. Brotman and Dr. Miller,
The card on our daughter’s crib read: “We Deliver Happiness,” and you certainly do.
Our experience giving birth to little Avila on November 21st, 2006 with you was more than we could have dreamed of. The care that you provide through Homestyle Midwifery is truly a unique treasure. If your intention is for childbirth and pre/post natal care at St. Luke’s to be both responsible and nurturing, knowledgeable and caring, leading-edge and celebratory, you have unquestionably accomplished it.
We know that your recent merger with CPMC, one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation, will bring a lot of benefit to St. Luke’s. Among the great contributions that you, in turn, will offer to CPMC is the way you honor pregnancy and childbirth through Homestyle Midwifery and your commitment to a gentler, warmer, home-like welcome to babies without compromise to state-of-the-art attention. Like most of the expectant parents we have met through Homestyle, my husband Stephane and I transferred to St. Luke’s care from CPMC, looking for this balance, which unfortunately has become a rarity in today’s childbirth options.
Our hope is that what you have started will spread throughout CPMC and become an example for hospitals throughout the nation and even around the world, offering expecting parents new options, previously unavailable and spreading your delivery of happiness. Please count on us for any support that we may be able to provide in this regard.
With our greatest appreciation,
Natasha and Stephane Giraudie
Friday, November 2, 2007
This is the exact letter I wrote to the CEO of St. Luke’s after my son was born there in 2004.
…………………………..
July 13, 2004
John Williams
CEO
St. Luke’s
3555 Cesar Chavez StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110
Dear Mr. Williams,
I am writing to express our appreciation for the quality of care we received associated with the birth of our son at St. Luke’s on June 29, 2004.
Up until my 7th month of pregnancy I was seeing an obstetrician associated with CPMC. Although the care I received at the practice was satisfactory – I felt there was something lacking in that over half of my prenatal appointments were with a doctor other than my primary physician, and my visits were extremely short in length. As my due date approached, I realized that I may not know who would be delivering my baby and this could very well affect my plan of having a natural birth. I was also becoming more aware of CPMC’s reputation for intervention.
I learned of Yeshi Neumann from two different sources – one of her current patients and from two midwives at Natural Resources. Though it was late in the pregnancy, my husband and I met with Yeshi and decided to switch practices. This was the best decision I made in regards to the birth of my child. Yeshi’s absolute commitment to her patients -- getting to know them, educating them, and digging deep into the personal expectations of birth and then working to achieve these goals, was simply inspiring. My husband attended every prenatal appointment and Yeshi spent all the time necessary to answer questions and provide birthing education. As time went on we realized that this was for our benefit and hers –she had a vested interest in making sure she understood our expectations and capabilities, as she would be the one by my side guiding me through the birth.
Needless to say, through Yeshi’s guidance I was able to have a natural birth. The support in the room was incredible – and the birth tub and futon were well used and greatly appreciated. I can’t stress enough how Yeshi make our birth experience amazing. Women should never receive anything but this hands-on care.
In addition I wanted to comment on the rest of our experience at St. Luke’s. Everyone we had contact with had the same caring passion for birth- Dr. Norrell, Ayumi (delivery nurse), Mary the lactation consultant, and Michael the pediatrician (bearded man with big side burns). We’ve also found this care extends to the pediatric clinic– we’ve seen De. Jaspal and Dr. Gettleman, and both have been wonderful.
From all the pregnant mom’s I’ve been speaking to – St. Luke’s is gaining a reputation as a place where woman are nurtured and natural birth is encouraged – please keep it up!
Best Regards,
Carolyn Wolff,
Kevin Odle & Max Odle
San Francisco, CA 94112
cc: Dr. Norrell
Yeshi Neumann
…………………………..
July 13, 2004
John Williams
CEO
St. Luke’s
3555 Cesar Chavez StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110
Dear Mr. Williams,
I am writing to express our appreciation for the quality of care we received associated with the birth of our son at St. Luke’s on June 29, 2004.
Up until my 7th month of pregnancy I was seeing an obstetrician associated with CPMC. Although the care I received at the practice was satisfactory – I felt there was something lacking in that over half of my prenatal appointments were with a doctor other than my primary physician, and my visits were extremely short in length. As my due date approached, I realized that I may not know who would be delivering my baby and this could very well affect my plan of having a natural birth. I was also becoming more aware of CPMC’s reputation for intervention.
I learned of Yeshi Neumann from two different sources – one of her current patients and from two midwives at Natural Resources. Though it was late in the pregnancy, my husband and I met with Yeshi and decided to switch practices. This was the best decision I made in regards to the birth of my child. Yeshi’s absolute commitment to her patients -- getting to know them, educating them, and digging deep into the personal expectations of birth and then working to achieve these goals, was simply inspiring. My husband attended every prenatal appointment and Yeshi spent all the time necessary to answer questions and provide birthing education. As time went on we realized that this was for our benefit and hers –she had a vested interest in making sure she understood our expectations and capabilities, as she would be the one by my side guiding me through the birth.
Needless to say, through Yeshi’s guidance I was able to have a natural birth. The support in the room was incredible – and the birth tub and futon were well used and greatly appreciated. I can’t stress enough how Yeshi make our birth experience amazing. Women should never receive anything but this hands-on care.
In addition I wanted to comment on the rest of our experience at St. Luke’s. Everyone we had contact with had the same caring passion for birth- Dr. Norrell, Ayumi (delivery nurse), Mary the lactation consultant, and Michael the pediatrician (bearded man with big side burns). We’ve also found this care extends to the pediatric clinic– we’ve seen De. Jaspal and Dr. Gettleman, and both have been wonderful.
From all the pregnant mom’s I’ve been speaking to – St. Luke’s is gaining a reputation as a place where woman are nurtured and natural birth is encouraged – please keep it up!
Best Regards,
Carolyn Wolff,
Kevin Odle & Max Odle
San Francisco, CA 94112
cc: Dr. Norrell
Yeshi Neumann
From:
Rachel Chalmers
San Francisco 94110
San Francisco 94110
Wednesday October 31 2007
To:
Martin Brotman, M.D.
2100 Webster St., #423
San Francisco, California 94115
cc:
Judy Li
Chief Administrative Officer, St. Luke's Hospital
3555 Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110
2100 Webster St., #423
San Francisco, California 94115
cc:
Judy Li
Chief Administrative Officer, St. Luke's Hospital
3555 Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110
Mitchell Katz, MD
Department of Public Health
101 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
State Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (12th district)
District Office
455 Golden Gate Ave., Suite 14600
San Francisco, CA 94102
State Assembly member Mark Leno (13th district)
District Office
455 Golden Gate Ave.
Suite 14300
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear Doctor Brotman,
Please do not close St Luke’s Hospital.
I have given birth at both CPMC’s California Street campus and St Luke’s. Both births were covered by my private insurance. The birth of my elder daughter, at CPMC, was satisfactory. The doctors and nurses were excellent and professional; but it was my doula, Summer Andreassen, who helped me give birth without an epidural.
When I got pregnant again I knew I wanted a different experience. I started my prenatal care at UCSF, which was satisfactory. But I wanted care close to my home, in Bernal Heights. I wanted the kind of personal support I had received from my doula, ideally from a midwife. I asked around my friends, who include obstetricians and midwives, and their recommendation was unanimous. Every single one recommended Yeshi Neumann and Homestyle Midwifery at St Luke’s. I switched care from UCSF to St Luke’s at 28 weeks.
As I said, Claire’s birth was satisfactory. But Julia’s birth was the most amazing experience of my life. She was a very big baby - 9lb 4oz - but I delivered her in seven hours, and did not even require stitches. The care I received from Yeshi was extraordinary. As my friends had done, I recommended Homestyle and St Luke’s to anyone who would listen. I couldn’t stop talking about how great it was.
You can imagine how disappointed I was when the relationship between St Luke’s and Homestyle ended. I am involved with the effort to establish Homestyle as a private practice.
But if you close St Luke’s Hospital it will mean no more women having babies the way I had Julia. And I believe every woman should have the kind of birth experience I had with Julia: safe and supported and incredibly empowering.
St Luke’s is a shining example of what a community hospital can be. The ob/gyn department was good enough to woo me and my private insurance from UCSF, one of the most famous hospitals in the country. This even aside from the practical, demographic considerations around its closure - that it serves an under-served community, that it is one of only two hospitals in San Francisco that are south of Market Street.
I know the hospital is losing money. Health care is expensive. The answer is not to close St Luke’s wildly successful programs, good enough to win privately insured patients. Try working with the community. I believe you will be astonished at the goodwill the staff at St Luke’s have earned throughout our community, from the poorest to the most affluent.
Every woman is different. Every birth is different. Good obstetric care provides options. St Luke’s was San Francisco’s best option.
There has to be another way. I beg you to find it.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Chalmers
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