Editorial: Community deserves more from Beebe

The sudden and barely explained departure of Jeff Fried from his position as president and chief executive officer has cast a shadow over Beebe Healthcare. That shadow won’t soon be removed unless the board of directors that oversees Beebe Healthcare gives the community a detailed explanation of this momentous decision.

In an official press release announcing Fried’s departure effective March 26, the only reason given is: “The board wishes to move ahead in new directions as Beebe enters into its next generation of providing excellent healthcare for the community.” In the same press release, it’s stated that: “The expansion program to bring healthcare services to the Sussex community will continue as planned.”

The Cape Gazette is working to clarify the specifics of what the board of directors means by new directions. We are also working to understand, so we can report accurately to the community, why the board decided it was necessary to move suddenly and unceremoniously on this apparent termination. We will develop as much of an understanding as we can through interviews with as many of those involved as possible and then report to our readers.

Throughout its history, Beebe, as a community-owned healthcare facility, has enjoyed strong community support because of its open and honest communications that make all of us partners in seeking the best.

The unprecedented $200 million expansion plan currently underway is a good example. According to a report from Beebe published in March, $30 million of the $34 million goal for local funding, announced last October, has already been raised.

If members of Beebe’s board of directors think they are the only ones in our community who should know the truth behind major decisions impacting our healthcare facility, they are on a slippery slope toward eroding the confidence and public trust that leads to that outstanding support.