Workers Support Board in Fight With County

Dozens of Prince George's Hospital Center workers joined the hospital system's board of directors at a rally in front of the hospital yesterday, backing the directors in a standoff with County Executive Jack B. Johnson.

The board of Dimensions Healthcare System, the nonprofit company that runs the hospital center and four other county health facilities, voted Monday to reject a request from Johnson (D) that four of its 11 members resign. Johnson has said he will release no county funds to the system until they do so. At stake is a $2 million payment by Sunday followed by $12 million to cover expenses through next June.

Without the funding, the hospital probably will close, officials say.

"Dimensions' cash position remains extremely tight," President and Chief Executive G.T. Dunlop Ecker said at the rally and news conference, organized by Progressive Maryland. "Time is of the essence."

Ecker and two board members at the news conference would not take questions from reporters.

A Maryland delegate who has been outspoken about the hospital's fate meanwhile urged Dimensions to file a lawsuit against the county, arguing that Johnson is breaking a promise made in April to fund the system through June 2008.

"As far as I can tell, they've got a good case, and the county doesn't," said Del. Doyle L. Niemann (D-Prince George's).

Johnson wants the resignations of the board chairman, representatives of two of the corporation's member hospital boards and a fourth member who represents the county's medical society. Dimensions spokeswoman Suzanne Almalel said board members will submit their own plan for a membership change to Johnson by Friday.

The board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, and legal action is "an option," Almalel said.

James Keary, Johnson's spokesman, scoffed at the possibility of a lawsuit.

"When did Doyle Niemann become their legal counsel?" he asked. He added, "So you ask someone for money, and they don't give it you, so you sue them?"

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said he spoke with Johnson about the matter Monday evening. The governor said he remains willing to partner with local officials to "create a world-class health-care institution for the people of Prince George's County."

He also said his position had not "really changed" since April, when negotiations between state and local officials faltered. At that time, O'Malley said that, without a deal, there would be state money only to fund an "orderly shutdown." County officials then staved off closure by pledging local dollars so talks could continue.

Workers said they were disappointed to find themselves back at a crisis moment.

"It's like taking the bandage off the wound before it had chance to heal," said Vandy Kennedy, pastor at Walker Mill Baptist Church and a 15-year hospital volunteer.

Staff writer John Wagner contributed to this report.