Hospitals across California are confronting inflation, workforce shortages, and other financial challenges. In early 2023, the four associations that represent member hospitals in California committed to focusing on hospital financial stability.
Workplace violence has long been a problem for hospitals, and it’s an issue that both Hospital Council and the Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) take seriously. It’s only worsened in recent years and has severe consequences for the entire health care system.
From workforce shortages to financial challenges, the obstacles for your hospitals are many. At the same time, patient safety must remain at the forefront. With that in mind, the theme of this year’s Hospital Quality Institute and Hospital Council annual meeting on Oct. 15-16 acknowledges three Cs that hospitals continue to experience: “Changes, Challenges, and Champions” and the uncertainty and stress in the delivery of health care that swirl around each of you every day.
Earlier this summer, CHA launched a statewide effort designed to bring your hospitals relief from the 2030 seismic mandate. This new approach, which begins in local communities, is focused on building community partnerships and working with those partners to increase understanding of the need to protect access to care with state legislators.
Pride Month may have recently concluded, but that doesn’t mean that the focus on providing inclusive care for the LGBTQ+ community will stop.
A bill that would raise the minimum wage for all health care workers in all settings in California to $21 in 2024 and $25 starting in 2025 is being heard today in the Assembly Labor Committee. The bill also calls for the minimum wage to increase annually by 3.5% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lesser.
Throughout California, the need for additional behavioral health support is self-evident. Our emergency department teams regularly care for all their patients with as much dignity and love as they have, and we have all seen the toll this care can take on our caregivers.
Though the winter had record rainfall and snow, and spring has seen — at least for now — below average temperatures, the threat of wildfires always looms large in our region. In fact, we have already seen some wildfires over the past few weeks, though nothing compared to what our friends on the East Coast are dealing with.
Sometime in the coming week, the state Senate could be voting on legislation — Senate Bill (SB) 525 — that would raise the minimum wage to $25 for all health care workers, beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
This week, hospitals throughout our region, California, and the country will be celebrating National Hospital Week. While this is an annual time to recognize the vital roles hospitals and health systems play in our communities, more importantly, it’s an opportunity to celebrate all health care workers — who are essential to their success.