Who
- Coalition of state associations, local emergency medical services authorities (LEMSAs), ambulance providers, and county supervisors
What
In February, Regional Medical Center of San Jose, an HCA hospital, announced plans to close its level two trauma, ST-elevation myocardial infarction program, and downgrade the current comprehensive stroke designation to a primary stroke designation. In late April, the Santa Clara EMSA presented its Health Impact Report to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. The report found that the closure will result in all comprehensive stroke and trauma centers moving to the west side of the county. Additionally, Regional Medical Center receives a quarter of all county 911 system trauma patients.
During the meeting, the county administrator stated the board’s role was to accept the report and send it to the state and corresponding regulatory agencies. However, there was over an hour of public comment with testimony from San Jose City Council member staff, residents, community clinics, health care nonprofit organizations, and Service Employees International Union representatives, who shared personal stories.
Of note was a request from Supervisor Cindy Chavez for additional information regarding previous HCA decisions in Santa Clara County to be included in the report.
Additionally, Supervisor Joe Simitian asked about the potential to advocate to the California Department of Public Health to stop or delay the closure and service line adjustments. Simitian suggested that because the county operates the other trauma centers through its hospitals, it is appropriate to ask for more time to assess how to address the announced changes.
Takeaway/Next Steps
Hospital Council will maintain communication with all parties involved in the situation.
Contact
RVP Jo Coffaro at jcoffaro@hospitalcouncil.org