The announcement this week that Joyce Murphy will leave her post as chief executive at Caritas Carney Hospital leaves a compelling question about the future of Dorchester's community hospital.

Murphy joined Carney just nine years ago, at a time of transition for the hospital. The future looked bleak, there were fears the Carney might contract or even close, and the sprawling campus on in Lower Mills could have become just another empty urban building that time and economic pressures had passed by.

Thankfully, Murphy showed exemplary leadership skills, and an impressive management style that placed an emphasis on community health care for the people in Dorchester, Mattapan, and beyond. In the midst of a rapidly changing health care environment, under her tutelage the Carney continued to give the highest priority to the health needs of the people in the community.

Today, the health care industry is even more complex. Caritas has successfully implemented a system which offers excellent primary and secondary care to patients right here in Dorchester, while referring persons for tertiary care to Caritas St. Elizabeth's hospital in Brighton. Put simply, more complicated medical procedures can be provided by skilled providers who specialize in those procedures. Under Joyce Murphy's steady hand, this system has worked out well.

The Carney has first-class medical teams and exceptional staff throughout, and they bring a bonus: a care and concern for the local community. The Carney has always given opportunities to local residents for entry-level positions in the health field, and many of them have gone on to have long and successful professional careers.

The Carney is not without its financial concerns, chief among them an $8 million deficit this year, caused by its policy of providing health care to the uninsured. Carney is among the leaders in the state in uncompensated care, and state government has traditionally been slow to pick up its fair share.

Bottom line: Carney Hospital is an important, vital institution to our neighborhoods. Today, on the verge of a major management change, it is important that the Caritas Christi system find a new, visionary chief executive to carry on the work that Joyce Murphy has begun.

The people of Dorchester and Mattapan deserve no less.

Planning for a health and wellness fair

Harbor Health Services in partnership with state, local and area organizations will offer a one of a kind Community Health and Wellness Fair.

A group of health care providers are coming together to plan a free community-wide health and wellness fair this fall. The event is planned for Saturday, Nov. 5 at the UMass Boston campus. Attendees will have a chance to learn about resources, participate in health screenings regarding cardiovascular, eye and ear health, HIV, cholesterol and diabetes, dental hygiene, attend health and safety education classes. The program is sponsored by Neponset Health Center and other non-profits seeking to increase access to health care services for all in need regardless of ability to pay.

The sponsors currently are searching for local businesses and civic groups to help defray some of the cost of the event. The Reporter has signed on as media sponsor. If you can help, contact Eleni Kontogli at Neponset Health Center, 398 Neponset Ave., Dorchester, MA 02122. Phone: 617-282-3200 X237