Editorial Urges Permanent Closure of King-Harbor

Marin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital in Watts "must close -- permanently, completely and unalterably," a Los Angeles Times editorial states, adding that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors "should spare no expense to entice a private hospital to the area" (Los Angeles Times, 8/15).

CMS officials on Friday announced that King-Harbor no longer will be eligible to receive $200 million in federal funding after failing two inspections. CMS found the hospital fell below minimum federal standards in eight out of 23 areas assessed in an inspection last month.

The hospital has been out of compliance with federal standards since January 2004 (California Healthline, 8/14).

If no company will open a private hospital in the area, the editorial calls on the county to "consider selling the land and using every penny of the proceeds to meet the medical needs of the King-Harbor service area with transportation to competent emergency rooms, clinics and urgent care centers" (Los Angeles Times, 8/15).

Broadcast Coverage

Three broadcast programs also recently reported the implications for the Los Angeles County emergency medical service system of the closure of King-Harbor. Summaries appear below.

KCRW's "Which Way L.A.?" on Tuesday addressed the Los Angeles County emergency system after the closure of King-Harbor (Olney, KCRW, "Which Way L.A.?" 8/14). Audio of the segment is available online.
KPCC's "KPCC News" also reported on the issue (Nazario, KPCC, "KPCC News," 8/14). Audio of the segment is available online.
KQED's "The California Report" reported on the implications for the Los Angeles County emergency medical service system of the closure of King-Harbor (KQED, "The California Report," 8/14). Audio of the segments is available online.

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.