HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06171986 - 2.1 i 2 . 1
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order 'on June 17, 1986 , by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Fanden, Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson, Powers
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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SUBJECT: Consequences of Closing a County Hospital
Edward G. Lopez , M.D. , Health Officer/Medical Director,
Department of Public Health, Solano County, P . 0. Box 1829 , Vallejo,
94590, appeared before the Board this day and spoke of the problems
and difficulties encountered by Solano County as a result of the
closure of its county hospital in June 1973. Dr. Lopez advised that
at the time of closure of the Solano County Hospital, a decision was
made by that Board of Supervisors to keep some of the clinics open
to provide some outpatient care for the indigent. Dr. Lopez further
advised that private hospitals agreed to provide hospitalization to
this group of patients with payment for those services recovered
from the State. He called attention to the fact that with reduc-
tions in Medi-cal reimbursement rates, private physicians and den-
tists are now reluctant to provide care for the indigent and poor.
Dr. Lopez noted that Solano County is at a disadvantage to negotiate
for the care of these patients since they no longer have a county
hospital. He urged the Board to seriously consider the consequences
of relinquishing control of or abandoning Merrithew Memorial
Hospital.
Board members commented on the rise in health care costs
including insurance for medical personnel and facilities, closure of
hospitals because of insufficient funds to meet operating expenses,
unwillingness of private providers to treat or accept Medi-cal
patients, and diminishing resources to fund health care programs.
The Board concurred that aggressive action is needed to make state
and federal representatives aware of the seriousness of this problem.
Therefore, IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the County
Administrator and Health Services Director are REQUESTED to review
options available to the County to seek reimbursement of costs for
the poor and indigent receiving services at Merrithew Memorial
Hospital under Medicare and Medi-cal programs.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Supervisor Fanden is REQUESTED
to meet with Dr. Lopez and representatives of Solano County and
Contra Costa County to discuss methods of requiring private health
care providers to assume some responsibility for the care of the
poor and indigent.
1 her-aby certify th nt this i3
an action taken and entered on tho minut Dz of ehe
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: /
PI-112LE3
!'e �&$EL®R, Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Adr inistrator
cc: Dr. Lopez
Supervisor Fanden By �, - �- , +D'e'wy
County Administrator
Health Services Director