Financial and operating results are not where they need to be, but we believe we have turned the corner on profitability.

Hospitals already are stretching scarce resources to respond to the daily challenges of providing care to all who come through our doors. Cuts to these resources will have a negative impact on the availability of care for the patients and communities we serve.

As caregivers, we recognize that prescription drugs are an important part of treating illness and enhancing wellness. But before we expand benefits -- and make new promises -- to Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential that we keep our current promises.

We are extremely disappointed with our fourth-quarter operating and financial performance. We have let down our customers, our shareholders and, not least of all, our employees.

This has been another difficult quarter.

Obviously, it's needed to do things like steer and propel and make (the kayak) go, but it's real critical should he flip over, upside-down. He needs two arms to be able to get back upright so he doesn't drown. That was one of the neat things that he was able to master, and really has less to do about the arm and more to do about him.