Necessary expansion of Providence Holy Cross is mentioned to L.A. City Council

Tony Bell, the Communications Deputy addressed the need for more hospital beds in the County.  The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to send a five-signature letter to the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor’s Office supporting expansion of health services and beds at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

“Los Angeles County has the largest population of any county in the nation with more than 10.2 million residents.  However, since 2003 ten hospitals have closed and 1,462 patients beds have been lost in Los Angeles County,’’ said Antonovich.  “It is essential that we support the expansion of beds and health services at Providence Holy Cross to meet the needs of the community.’’

Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, a 254-bed, not-for-profit facility, offers a full continuum of health services, from outpatient to inpatient to home health care. The medical center operates one of the only round-the-clock trauma centers in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities.  The closure of hospitals and trauma centers has severely impacted Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

Dan Boyle of Providence Holy Cross said the beds are a big priority.  "The need for more beds and facilities is absolutely necessary because the hospital is at 97% capacity almost every day. On each day there are at least 10-20 people waiting in the trauma center on gurneys for inpatient beds."  However, he does claim that the hospital, including himself, are "very pleased with the decision of the Board of Supervisors, especially Supervisor Antonovich for presenting the motion to the City Council."