Our summary
Anticipates retaining an ER with some rooms, legislation permitting an ER without a hospital, or another medical institution taking control; expresses confidence in Alex Rounaghi and Bob Whalen’s work.
“I believe the hospital issue will eventually be resolved by (1) maintaining the E.R. Including a small number of rooms, (2) state law changes allowing E.R.”
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“I believe the hospital issue will eventually be resolved by (1) maintaining the E.R. Including a small number of rooms, (2) state law changes allowing E.R. Without a hospital or (3) another medical institution assumes control. I am not working on the subcommittee and I know Alex and Bob will find the best solution.”
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Our summary
Calls for a best-in-class 24-hour emergency department and meaningful inpatient acute care, while evaluating operators, ownership models, partnerships, sites, legislation, grants and philanthropy.
“My minimum acceptable outcome is preserving a best-in-class, 24-hour emergency department and meaningful inpatient acute-care capability in Laguna Beach, whether at the existing hospital or through a feasible replacement.”
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“My minimum acceptable outcome is preserving a best-in-class, 24-hour emergency department and meaningful inpatient acute-care capability in Laguna Beach, whether at the existing hospital or through a feasible replacement. An urgent-care center alone is not an adequate substitute for a community with constrained access, millions of annual visitors, and serious wildfire and evacuation risks. The City should continue negotiating with Providence while simultaneously evaluating other operators, nonprofit or public ownership, a healthcare district or joint-powers partnership, alternative sites, state legislative relief, grants, and philanthropy. I would consider voter-approved financing only after independent analysis establishes the community's healthcare needs, seismic and retrofit options, capital and operating costs, and a credible operator. We should act urgently, but we should not promise that the City can operate a hospital without first establishing its medical, legal, and financial feasibility.”
Written response · answer only
Our summary
Prioritizes a 24-hour ambulance-receiving ER with a licensed hospital attached; would evaluate operators, land-use leverage and coordination with the Attorney General.
“My minimum is a 24-hour emergency department in Laguna Beach that can receive ambulance transports.”
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“My minimum is a 24-hour emergency department in Laguna Beach that can receive ambulance transports. Six in ten of our ambulance transports go to that campus. Under state law an emergency department cannot stand alone, so keeping the ER means keeping a licensed hospital of some size attached to it. Ensuring access to emergency care has been my highest priority and will continue to be if I'm re-elected.
In August, Providence agreed to study a smaller hospital that preserves an emergency room. A study is not a commitment, and I've said that publicly.
As I said during the debate, all options are on the table. We have looked closely at our leverage, including land use. We also are talking to other operators, and most importantly, having close coordination with the Attorney General's office.”
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