September 12, 2022 - After the successful passage of Measure O, Suzette Prue has announced she is throwing her hat in the ring for a position on the John C. Fremont Healthcare District Board of Directors.

“After working as a patient advocate for the past six years and being co-sponsor of Measure O to fund construction of  a new hospital by 2030, I decided to run for the Board to formalize my passion as a patient advocate.” announced Prue.

Previously Prue was a member of the board for several years and became a private citizen six years ago. She put that time to work helping patients navigate healthcare systems and offering assistance on care and billing issues. Also, knowing about the state law requiring hospitals to meet new earthquake standards by 2030 or face closure, she got involved in a ballot measure to provide funding for construction of a new hospital. Over a year ago she became the co-sponsor of Measure O and worked diligently for its passage on the June ballot.

With a background in accounting, human resources, business operations and management, Prue feels she can bring a good perspective to her role as a board member for the healthcare district. “Board members do not operate the hospital. That is the role of the hospital CEO. But they provide oversight, hire the CEO, approve policies, and help formulate a strategic plan,” she explained. She stays on top of the business of healthcare by staying in touch with professional organizations and subscribing to daily national newsletters for hospitals, she added.

Prue says she is familiar with hospital financials and understands their uniqueness. “Not having to spend a lot of time on a learning curve is an advantage,” Prue stated. “Covid was very damaging to hospital financials nationwide and it will be a couple years before hospitals overcome their losses. Until then hospitals will need to carefully monitor their financial positions,” Prue added.

As a board member Prue wants to highlight the work of the quality review team at the John C. Fremont Healthcare District. Prue said, “They have a good team ready and willing to listen to any patient concerns or complaints and work to resolve issues.” She would like to see resolutions to patient complaints about answering phones and billing issues. “With the transition to a new company providing emergency doctors and hospitalists I hope some of the billing issues can be resolved.”

During her interview to be appointed an interim director, Prue stated, “If you can achieve the important goal of top-notch customer service there’s no doubt in my mind Fremont could definitely become the provider of choice as well as the employer of choice in Mariposa County.”

Prue is running for a two-year term to replace Brenda Forrest who resigned in June. The general election is November 8.

Source: Committee to Elect Suzette Prue