TMH financial problems concern Warren officials

'Without health care, we won't have a community,' a city official said.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Several city officials expressed grave concerns Tuesday about the impact of Forum Health's financial woes on the city.
Speaking at a meeting of city council's finance committee, which he leads, Councilman Alford L. Novak, D-2nd, said: "Our concern is the financial status and stability of [Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital], and also to make sure that the services are available."
"Without health care, we won't have a community," added Robert Pinti, deputy city health commissioner.
"Forum Health provides a significant level of care in the community -- more than half of the health care in Trumbull County," said Erin Kramer, administrative organizer for Service Employees International Union District 1199, a union representing some Forum employees.
Burden on police force
Another major topic of committee discussion was Forum's announcement that, as a cost-cutting measure, it would replace its security personnel, who have arrest powers, with guards from an outside agency, Ohio Security Systems Inc. of Warren, who lack such powers.
"We need to know what extra burden is being placed upon our police department as far as handling issues there," Novak said.
The city has recently developed a new plan for response to Trumbull Memorial when police assistance will be needed there, Doug Franklin, city safety-service director, told the committee.
"Part of our plan is to assign a floating officer in that zone to take special interest in the hospital. He won't be on the premises unless called, though," Franklin said.
Police Chief John Mandopoulos has been meeting with hospital officials concerning the security changes there, said Mayor Michael O'Brien. Part of the duties of the downtown and near North Side beat police officer will be patrolling TMH's parking lot in a cruiser on all three shifts, he said.
Councilman Robert L. Dean Jr., D-at large, who often rides along with city police, said, "Sometimes it takes more than a taser gun, and sometimes it takes more than two officers" to handle hospital security problems related to alcohol, drug and mental health issues. He concluded: "My concern is officer safety."