Banner reduced the number of chaplains at their Tucson hospitals from 2 to 1 this week. There is now 1 chaplain available to serve nearly 900 patients and their families between the two campuses. Peter Fine, CEO of Banner Health, earned $12,400,000 in 2021 according to an October 27, 2023 article in Arizona Central written by Stephanie Innes. According to Zip Recruiter, the average annual salary of a hospital chaplain is $67,000, 0.5% of Mr. Fine's annual earnings. Banner Health earned a $149.4 million profit by end of September 2023, according to the December 29, 2023 article, From -10.6% to 11.1%: 34 systems ranked by operating margins.
I fail to understand how Banner found it necessary to increase 2024's profits by approximately 0.04% by reducing the number of chaplains by 50%.
I have witnessed the chaplains reduce grief and have been comforted by them. This week, I witnessed Mr. Fine increase grief. I choose chaplains. I reject Mr. Fine.
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Dawn Hoppmann
Benson
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