Oceanside CA– Approximately 50 Tri-City Medical Center physicians and healthcare workers gathered in front of Tri-City Hospital to announce their support for the current hospital board during a brief news conference, this afternoon.
Dr John Lafata, MD, who spoke for the group said “For the first time in years, we have a stable board of directors. With the election coming up, we are afraid the apple cart may get upset.”
Dr. Lafata stated that the current boards actions have resulted in a 15 million dollar turnaround for the facility.
The doctor addressed rumors of the sale of Tri-City Medical Center by the current board of directors. “I can assure you that not only are these board members committed to keeping this hospital public, but it is legally impossible for the board members to sell a district hospital.”
“Many smaller hospitals are closing their doors in this economic climate.” said Dr Lafata using the recent announcement that Fallbrook Hospital is closing its doors later this year. “Many hospitals have sold to larger facilities. “I have been assured that this board has no preconceived notion to sell this hospital and make it private.”
“This is a public hospital. Indigent people who come to this hospital are given the same care that you and I or anyone in my family would receive. That costs money. At some point down the road, the hospital may have to align itself with a larger hospital that can absorb those kinds of losses.”
Tri-City Medical Center serves over half a million people in the Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista area.
You can view the full text of Dr. Lafatas statement here [Link]
Tri-City Physicians Announce Support for Current Board
October 15, 2014