Western North Carolina
Deserves Better Healthcare

We are RECLAIM HEALTHCARE WNC, a volunteer-led grassroots coalition of physicians, nurses, elected officials, clergy, attorneys, business leaders, and community representatives who are organizing and engaging in a campaign to:

• Replace Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) with a non-profit owner committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the people of WNC

• Hold HCA accountable for their harmful culture and practices

• Restore best-in-class care throughout Mission Health

We are committed to demonstrating our unwavering support for healthcare workers and holding HCA accountable through the empowerment of our community. We are prepared for a sustained campaign. The quality of our healthcare should not be publicly traded.

Since HCA purchased Mission Health in 2019 (selected examples):

• More than 200 physicians and 600 nurses have left Mission Health.

• Practices including Family Medicine, Oncology, ENT, Urology, and Neurology have left or have been closed.

• Services including chaplaincy, pharmacy, rehab, sterile processing, and environmental services have seen reductions and/or departures.

• With these reductions and departures, Mission Health has lost invaluable experience, wisdom, and knowledge.

• There has been a reduction in the ratio of full-time staff per patient bed from 6.1 FTE to 3.7 FTE. The average in North Carolina is 5.1 FTE.

• Persistent under-staffing and working conditions have compelled Mission nurses to unionize.

• There have been dramatic drops in patient and family satisfaction ratings.

• There has been a culture of disrespect and intimidation that has led to fear of retribution among staff.

In addition, since 2019:

• Mission Health has been repeatedly investigated by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for concerns related to patient safety and quality of care.

• In 2023 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found nine incidents, including four deaths, in which there were risks of significant harm to patients resulting in the status of Immediate Jeopardy.

• In 2023 Mission Health was cited for a violation of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), the federal law that requires medical screening for anyone seeking treatment in the Emergency Department.

• HCA is currently being sued by the NC Attorney General for breach of the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA), which defines conditions of the 2019 sale.

• The cost of care at Mission Health is one of the highest in North Carolina.

• Mission Hospital has the second highest net patient revenue of HCA’s over 180 hospitals nationwide.

• In 2024 HCA is experiencing record breaking corporate profits, including stock share prices which are at an all time high.