As we have reported, the State of California will hold a public hearing on Friday, June 26 at 10am about the sale of Lynwood’s St. Francis Medical Center to Prime Healthcare, a for-profit company. If the sale goes through, this will be the first time St. Francis will run as a for-profit, meaning that the hospital must make money.
Is this good for Lynwood?
It depends on who you ask.
The current caregivers at St. Francis, including nurses and support staff fear the new owners will put profits before patient and community care. They asked the potential owners to agree to the following:
– Maintain all current services for patients at St. Francis,
– Keep all the dedicated caregivers and maintain current wages, benefits and,
– Act as a responsible partner in maintaining the health of the Lynwood community.
In an advertisement in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times, Prime Healthcare pledged the following to the Lynwood community:
Investment of $47 million in technology and equipment upgrades that they propose would immediately improve patient care and quality.
Maintain every one of St. Francis’ services, including trauma, emergency, cancer care, women’s health, stroke care, labor and delivery, neonatal care, pediatric services, cardiology, behavioral health and more.
Preserving and expanding all community benefit programs and care for the most vulnerable.
Ensure a bright future while protecting jobs that might otherwise be lost without the acquisition.
Prime Healthcare has never sold or closed a hospital and has saved 45 hospitals across the nation.
Prime Healthcare has done little outreach to City of Lynwood elected officials and staff. And, given their track-record, we have concerns about this sale as they previously would not agree to the sale conditions imposed by Attorney General Kamala Harris for this very hospital. Our main goal is to ensure the health and well-being of our residents and community. As a non-profit hospital, St. Francis Medical Center has always been there to take care of our residents regardless of their medical or economic condition – we hope that will continue if and when it turns into a for-profit hospital.
If you would like to attend the virtual hearing, following the instructions on the Public Meeting Notice: http://www.kccllc.net/verityhealth/document/1820151200610000000000015
To make a public comment:
Email: scott.chan@doj.ca.gov
FAX: (415) 703-5480
Mail: Scott Chan, Deputy Attorney General
455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 11000
San Francisco, CA 94102.
The deadline for receipt of written comments is June 27, 2020 by 5:00 PM.
This is your community; you have a voice!
#WeAreLynwood