BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Supervisors voted to support the creation of a hospital authority for KMC the latest in the county's effort to pull its hospital out of financial crisis. It's not a done deal yet but Monday the board voted to combine the county's two health entities: Kern Health Systems, the county-run health plan provider, and KMC the county-run hospital.
KMC CEO Russell Judd laid out the plan for supervisors Monday afternoon. Basically the idea would be to coordinate Kern Health Systems 150,000 medical patients with county care at KMC by creating an authority. KMC staff and union representatives spoke in support if the plan but there was a concern raised by a Kern Health Systems board member.
"Sounds like there was a lot of work and planning discussions about this but has anyone talked to Kern Health Systems?" said Tim McGlew, a board member for Kern Health Systems.
The answer is no. In fact the first discussion with Kern Health Systems is this Thursday. Judd said that's because as a public entity, KMC needed board approval first, which they now have. But there is plenty of time to talk with KHS because this plan is months from becoming a reality. Legislation still needs to pass and the county then has to draft an ordinance. The earliest that can be done is January. "It is sometimes difficult to suggest something that still has many more questions than answers but this gets the ball rolling," said Judd. "You have to start somewhere."
Judd did share some positive financial news. KMC only lost $370,000 in April, compared to the $2.1 million the hospital lost in March. But they'll still be asking the Board of Supervisors for more money Tuesday morning.
KMC CEO Russell Judd laid out the plan for supervisors Monday afternoon. Basically the idea would be to coordinate Kern Health Systems 150,000 medical patients with county care at KMC by creating an authority. KMC staff and union representatives spoke in support if the plan but there was a concern raised by a Kern Health Systems board member.
"Sounds like there was a lot of work and planning discussions about this but has anyone talked to Kern Health Systems?" said Tim McGlew, a board member for Kern Health Systems.
The answer is no. In fact the first discussion with Kern Health Systems is this Thursday. Judd said that's because as a public entity, KMC needed board approval first, which they now have. But there is plenty of time to talk with KHS because this plan is months from becoming a reality. Legislation still needs to pass and the county then has to draft an ordinance. The earliest that can be done is January. "It is sometimes difficult to suggest something that still has many more questions than answers but this gets the ball rolling," said Judd. "You have to start somewhere."
Judd did share some positive financial news. KMC only lost $370,000 in April, compared to the $2.1 million the hospital lost in March. But they'll still be asking the Board of Supervisors for more money Tuesday morning.