Calif. Hospital News Roundup for the Week of Nov. 20, 2009
Charles Drew University Urgent Care Clinic, Los Angeles
On Nov. 14, Charles Drew University closed its urgent care clinic 14 months after its opening, citing the economic recession, KPCC's "KPCC News" reports.
Patients were sent written notification from university officials, who said that the slow economy has affected the university's financial status. It is unclear if the center will reopen (Nazario, "KPCC News," KPCC, 11/18).
March LifeCare, Riverside
On Wednesday, the March Joint Powers commission voted unanimously to approve plans for the 3.5 million square-foot March LifeCare medical complex, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.
The deal between the commission and March Healthcare Development is not final, as negotiations on a financial agreement are ongoing (Hines [1], Riverside Press-Enterprise, 11/18).
As part of the proposed development, March Healthcare Development has reached a tentative agreement to permit Cross Word Christian Church to construct nine buildings on 30 acres of the project's property, pastor Lacy Sykes said Wednesday.
The church will finance and develop the buildings' construction in phases, Sykes said (Hines [2], Riverside Press-Enterprise, 11/18).
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
Last month, Sutter Medical Center won Joint Commission certification to implant so-called "destination" heart pumps in patients who are not eligible for transplants, HealthLeaders Media reports.
Only four other hospitals in California are certified to perform such procedures (Clark, HealthLeaders Media, 11/18).
Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Sacramento
On Monday, Sutter Roseville Medical Center and the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West announced a tentative agreement on a three-year contract that will provide a minimum wage increase of 15.5% over three years, the Sacramento Business Journal reports.
The union represents about 600 workers at the hospital.
A ratification vote on the agreement is scheduled today (Robertson, Sacramento Business Journal, 11/16). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.