Scripps says this consolidation with Scripps Mercy in Hillcrest is necessary to alleviate the growing number of patients in Chula Vista's emergency department.
CHULA VISTA, Calif. — South Bay health care workers and their supporters pounded the sidewalk Tuesday to protest Scripps Mercy Chula Vista's decision to close its maternity unit.
The department will be merged with Scripps Mercy in Hillcrest, a decision critics say will hurt the many mothers and babies it is meant to help.
Dr. Latisa Carson, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Scripps Mercy Chula Vista, said many of these patients often come from low-income areas and simply don't want to travel the 12 or so miles to Hillcrest. , or said they can't.
“That's not going to work in the South Bay region,” she said, noting that many patients rely on public transportation.
“They come down this street by bus or by trolley. Their cars may not work well to get there and they use a lot of gas,” he added.
More than 130 positions will be eliminated as part of the consolidation, but Scripps said it will work to place employees facing layoffs into other open positions.
But for many of these workers, what matters most are the patients: mothers and babies.
“They deserve all the good care they can receive from us,” said one nurse who attended Tuesday's rally.
Scripps also said the consolidation is necessary to alleviate the growing number of patients in Chula Vista's emergency department.
Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Kofi Sefa Boakye said if that's the case, Chula Vista hospitals should expand their ERs.
“Then let's build a hospital for them, but let's not cut out important parts of the hospital,” Sefa Boakye said.
Scripps also said Chula Vista will continue to offer emergency obstetric services.
Dr. Carson pointed out that while ER doctors are trained in emergency situations, they are not obstetric experts.
“If not treated quickly, the patient and baby could die within minutes. They are not surgeons. There is only so much they can do in the ER because they cannot perform an immediate C-section,” she added. . For obstetric emergencies. ”
“We feel that Mr. Scripps needs to take another look at this matter,” Dr. Sefa Boakye said.
But even if Scripps doesn't change course, Dr. Carson said it's important to speak out.
Dr. Carson told CBS 8, “The public deserves our perspective and we need our voices to be heard.” “So we are voices for the voiceless. Some patients are afraid to speak up. So we just do what we have to do.” We are a voice for the voiceless. You can become. ”
The integration could occur by early summer once the state-mandated 90-day notice and comment period is completed.
In a statement, Scripps told CBS 8:
“Scripps remains committed to maintaining safe, high-quality emergency obstetric services at Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista, even after completing our merger with Scripps Mercy San Diego Hospital. We continue to work on specific operational details of the plan. Chula Vista, which is in the early stages of its 90-day regulatory notice period, will ensure safe labor and delivery services with adequate staffing and intensive care with partners. Ensure safe handoff and transfer after birth, including any necessary newborn transfers. Additionally, Scripps provides full transparency to the California Department of Public Health to ensure all regulatory requirements related to this transition. I am satisfied.”
Watch related: California Department of Public Health Requests Investigation of Scripps Chula Vista Maternity Unit Closure (March 18, 2024)
