A monopoly, especially in health care, is never a positive for the employees or clients!
Pros
In my field, at least, reliablility of keeping your job in this time of rising unemployment. My long term service with this organization, allows me some special considerations in my specific unit, which other employees might not have. Adequate medical insurance benefits provided; also in this time of reduced or no benefits being provided.
Cons
Lee Memorial has recently purchased all available medical facilities in this county. Therefore, there is no competition in this area; which allows the system a monopoly on their services. It also leaves no other employment opportunities in this area. in other words, our employer has us "over a barrel." If an employee is unhappy with this employer, there is no other job available in this immediate area. The employer claims salaries are competitive for this area, but based on what competition! The likelihood of decent raises this year is also in doubt due to the financial situation of the systerm.
