Who
- Contra Costa County hospitals
- Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Services
- Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
- Hospital Council
What
Hospital Council has resumed regular meetings with Contra Costa County hospitals, County Emergency Medical Services, and the County Fire Protection District regarding ambulance patient offload times (APOT). At the first meeting since the pandemic, hospital leaders clearly communicated their commitment to reducing APOT and the steps they have taken to return ambulances to service as quickly as possible. While prepared to discuss, Contra Costa Fire did not suggest that they would pursue hospital penalties or charge hospitals a fee to recover costs associated with APOT, as they have done in the past.
Following the meeting, Hospital Council sent a letter to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which is also the governing body for the County Fire Protection District. The letter shares the hospital perspective on this very challenging situation and desire to pursue solutions that are sustainable in the long term.
Takeaway/Next Steps
The group will continue to meet quarterly.