Closing the Baldwin Hospital Essay Example
Closing the Baldwin Hospital Essay Example

Closing the Baldwin Hospital Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (670 words)
  • Published: December 14, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The case of "Closing the Baldwin Hospital" depicts the government's attempt to close a hospital, supposedly to achieve financial equilibrium. Although it seems like a simple tale, it presents various chances to scrutinize intricate matters. It prompts inquiries about how media, individuals in communities, interest organizations, and authoritative figures interact in influencing public policy.

From start to finish, the story received extensive coverage in newspapers and on television. When it comes to politics, media typically portrays the government as a "villain" and regular citizens as victims. In this case, the government is depicted as attempting to shut down multiple hospitals and their surrounding communities while hospital staff are portrayed as "little people" fighting back against bullying by the government. Similar situations can be advantageous for citizens since governments often respond quickly to media coverage and act i

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n a way that appeases or reduces negative impact on the public.

The media's significance is demonstrated in various ways. Firstly, it highlights the community's support, the number of petition signatures, and the potential challenges hospital staff may face. Additionally, citizens benefit from the media's coverage of specific circumstances. For instance, when the hospital permits media access to exhibit its efficient functioning. Another instance is when the government approves a $350,000 expense merely a month before shutting down, which the media showcases.

The media can potentially weaken a government's ability to defend itself and prompt changes in its plans, as demonstrated by the case of Baldwin Hospital. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised in evaluating media stories, as governments are not always the "villain" and may have valid reasons and evidence for their actions. Unfortunately, in this particular instance, the

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government lacked sufficient justification and evidence to justify closing down Baldwin Hospital. The media played an essential role in garnering community support, casting the government in a negative light, and ultimately keeping Baldwin Hospital operational. In addition to media influence, the unification of the community, interest groups, and hospital staff played a significant role in preserving the hospital. In a time of crisis, these groups united to sway the media, accumulate a petition with 85000 signatures, and pressure the government to pursue alternate measures.

In modern times, the endangerment of the welfare of society as a whole often leads to unity among communities, especially minorities. This draws attention to the situation and can result in increased resources for resistance against governmental actions. In many cases, it also forces governments to abandon their original plans or seek alternative solutions. Interestingly, Baldwin Hospital did not receive public support from other hospitals or the Huronia Hospital Association. This highlights how politics can either strengthen or weaken professional relationships.

The main idea conveyed is that colleagues may refuse to help each other when doing so could jeopardize their relationship with the government. The individuals in control of the situation are lawyers and executives at the hospital who hold significant power over the outcome. Despite media and community support, decisions were ultimately made by these key players. A notable aspect of this case is that the Health Minister claimed compliance with the law, and without legal counsel, hospital executives would have been unaware of any illegal actions taken by the government.

It is unclear whether the government acted with intentional unfairness, although they have breached ethical boundaries and deceived the public to

achieve their goals. Despite a court order instructing otherwise, both the Health Minister and acting Health Minister defended their actions, indicating politicians' unwillingness to admit fault when faced with contradictory evidence.

The choice to maintain the Baldwin Hospital open was impacted by a range of actors, such as the media, community, interest groups and authoritative figures. This case underscores how the government often neglects social costs when making decisions. Yet, it is difficult for the government to account for these costs while also addressing competing demands from citizens and individual communities. In essence, this case demonstrates how even the government can be overcome and proven wrong - much like in the story of David and Goliath.

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