In a classic case off double speak, almost right out of 1984, leaders in Bath County Virginia spoke with the local newspaper today about problems in the hospital and what they are doing to address those problems to meet everyone’s needs.
Bath Community Hospital Board chair David Troast, board member George Phillips, and CEO Jason Paret spoke to The Recorder this week. Unfortunately, for anyone jaded and cynical, the trio’s answers came across as good ol’ fashioned double-talk.
George Orwell, author of the book, 1984, invented a term for spoken ambiguity. Calling it double speak, it is a phenomenon that is well known by anyone used to dealing with corporate spokesman and politicians. Doublespeak is saying one thing and meaning another, usually its opposite.
Some of the latest examples are in an article which came out recently in The Recorder.
While no one is doubting the veracity of The Recorder in their report, many people in the western Virginia county are doubting the three men who spoke with the Recorder.
Quote: “This board is open to quality and operational issues and positive suggestions that will remedy any misunderstandings or concerns of the community,” Phillips said.”
Phrase: “open…positive suggestions”
Translation: We’ll determine what ‘positive’ suggestions are and we’ll listen. But this should in no way be taken to mean we will act on any of them. We’re just giving you a forum in which to vent because it’s good politics.
Phrase: “…misunderstandings or concerns…”
Translation: It’s not our responsibility that you understand what is going on. It is up to you to understand what we are saying.
Quote: “Collectively, they agree, communication with the medical staff could have been handled differently, and they acknowledge the concerns raised in the community since Dr. James Redington’s contract was not renewed a couple of months ago.”
Phrase: “…communication with the medical staff could have been handled differently.”
Translation: We screwed up and underestimated the potential reaction of Bath County citizens.
Quote: “Nevertheless, they reiterated, the board is legally constrained from talking publicly about the reason or reasons Redington’s contract was not renewed. Troast cited privacy issues, and said that same level of privacy would be extended to any staff member in similar circumstances.”
Phrase: “…the board is legally constrained from talking publicly…”
Translation: We screwed up and we’re going to hide behind this bit of legalese to cover our asses.
Quote: “And, at next week’s community meeting, Paret said hospital staff who choose to attend and express their concerns can do so without fear of retribution. “I’ve told them, nobody is losing their job, there will be no reduction in force,” Paret said.”
Phrase: “… nobody is losing their job, there will be no reduction in force…”
Translation: There might be a downsizing or a right-sizing, we just won’t call it a reduction in force.
Quote: ““We will be at the town hall meeting to respond and answer questions as best we can,” Phillips said.”
Phrase: “…answer questions as best we can…”
Translation: The best answers we can give you are the ones that provide as little accurate information as possible.
Quote: “Several in the community have also speculated Paret will be asked to resign. That, too, is unfounded. “The board stands behind Jason, totally. The whole board,” Troast stressed. “With the exception of Dr. Bost and Dr. Redington.”
Phrase: “…The board stands behind Jason…”
Translation: There’s an angry mob of citizens facing Jason and we’ll stand behind him — keeping him between the crowd and ourselves. Remember, you never want to stand IN FRONT OF a runaway locomotive.