SAN LUIS OBISPO: Group Says It Has Plan To Save Hospital
A local coalition says it has come up with a plan that would prevent the closure of General Hospital in San Luis Obispo and open five new clinics around the county, the San Luis ObispoTelegram-Tribune reports. The Coalition to Save General Hospital will reveal the plan at a news conference tomorrow. Paul Roller, general manager of the San Luis Obispo County Employees Association, says the plan is "not only feasible but cheaper" than the county's alternatives. The San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing June 17 on the fate of the hospital and "changes in health services to the poor." Deputy County Administrator Lee Williams, who has not seen the coalition's plan, said, "We never close our minds, but we're pretty far down the road." The county already has contracted for care with French and Arroyo Grande hospitals, he said.
Coalition Takes County To Court
The coalition last week filed suit against the county for failing to comply with a November 1996 ballot initiative that requires the decision to close General Hospital be put before the citizens for a vote. The state Attorney General has said the ballot measure is not legal, but lawyers advising the state legislature believe the initiative is binding (Orne, 6/9).