April 11, 2008
Outcome of Board of Supervisors Vote
Last week the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a non-binding resolution asking the City Attorney to look in to possible litigation against Sutter Health for any possible closures at St. Luke's. California Pacific Medical Center asked the Board of Supervisors to delay this symbolic measure because we have engaged in a Blue Ribbon Panel with experts in health care, labor, business and neighborhood organizations to address the future of health care South of Market and at St. Luke's. In addition, historic opponents such as SEIU and CNA agreed to participate in this process in a effort to make sure that all voices are heard.
Sincere appreciation goes to Supervisor Alioto-Pier and Dr. Mitch Katz for their public support and engagement in this process. We feel quite confident that this is the right approach to finding a solution to a very complex problem. We also would like to thank Supervisor Elsbernd who inserted an amendment that publicly acknowledged our Blue Ribbon Panel process and asked City departments to work collaboratively with our efforts to find common ground. While we respect the position of the other Supervisors, we believe that supporting a non-binding resolution condemning California Pacific Medical Center at this moment when we are engaging with the City is counter-productive and not a sign of good faith. With that said, we continue to move forward in this transparent, inclusive process.
We understand that this issue is highly charged and that St. Luke's is an icon that is wrought with emotion. California Pacific has made a commitment to this process and understands the need to work with the community and the City to roll up our sleeves and find solutions to protecting this community treasure, while at the same time crafting a plan to improve health care delivery throughout the City for years and generations to come. This is why we engaged in this process. In addition to the Blue Ribbon Panel, California Pacific Medical Center also assembled a Community Task Force to make sure that we hear from all constituencies and include all points of view in finding solutions to this issue.
We also appreciate all those who contacted members of the Board of Supervisors on our behalf and made sure that your voice was heard. We at California Pacific work tirelessly every day to provide the best possible patient care and we care deeply about our patients, our staff, our doctors and nurses. In addition we are proud to be a part of the health care network of San Francisco and are working diligently to find solutions to St. Luke's and the greater health care delivery system so we can continue to care for patients in all comers of our beloved City.
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March for Babies
California Pacific Medical Center is a proud sponsor of the March for Babies, which champions the needs of moms and babies across the nation.
The 6.25 mile March for Babies is on Saturday, April 26 at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Join the CPMC team by signing up at www.marchforbabies.org. Select Sutter Health, then California, then California Pacific Medical Center. As part of the CPMC team you will get a team t-shirt and lunch at the event. Your donation will go towards lifesaving research, community services, education and advocacy that can help babies get a healthy start. Help make a difference in the lives of millions of babies.
