Recently, union members launched a website, www.EyeonBI.org, and a massive public information campaign that includes mobile billboards and ads for newspapers, websites, bus shelters and radio. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about ongoing problems at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and to spur accountability and action. The website contains the following statement of purpose:

"EyeOnBI.org has been created by people who believe in Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's mission of "service to community," treating "patients compassionately," and fostering a work environment based on "mutual respect and collaboration." Both the former Beth Israel and Deaconess hospitals have proud histories. Many of us have received loving care at these institutions over the years. Together, these institutions have offered generations of family members both employment and quality care.

"However, we also believe that the current administration of Beth Israel Deaconess has lost sight of its original ideals, raising questions as to whether the hospital is failing to put first the needs of its patients, its workers, and Greater Boston communities.

"'No margin, no mission,' is an expression often used in the non-profit hospital world. However, there are limits, which BIDMC's increasingly corporate style of medicine trespasses beyond.

"Enlightened non-profit hospital leaders also use the converse phrase, 'No mission, no purpose.'

"Unfortunately, there is mounting evidence that BIDMC's current administration is running the institution as a business above all else, and losing sight of its noble purpose. This is the common thread that ties all these issues together: Beth Israel Deaconess' corporate style of medicine.

"In order to make sure our hospitals are the best possible places to provide and receive care, we must join together in addressing problems and creating effective solutions. This website reflects an effort to inspire action and accountability in areas where we believe BIDMC has strayed from its mission.

By doing so, we want to help return our hospital to the core principles upon which the Beth Israel and the Deaconess were founded.

"Many Massachusetts hospitals have aspects that need to be improved.

Unfortunately, a particularly disturbing pattern has emerged at BIDMC in recent years during the tenure of its current CEO, Paul Levy. The hospital has drifted from its mission, as evidenced by the media and research reports archived within this website.

These reports reveal:

• Financial Discrepancies;
• Poor jobs and working conditions;
• Conflicts of interest;
• High healthcare costs;
• Attacks on workers' basic rights;
• Overbilling the government;
• Quality care concerns;
• Shutting down services to communities in need;
• Failing to live up to obligations as a non-profit, tax-exempt institution;
• Offering meager levels of charitable care to the uninsured."

To learn more, go to www.EyeOnBI.org