Santa Paula Memorial Hospital issues discussed

“This has been an outstanding demonstration of unity of the Santa Clara River Valley,” Bobkiewicz said at the conclusion of the almost four-hour meeting Wednesday.He suggested that ad hoc committee members report back to the City Councils by March 1st.In late December a letter was sent to river valley residents asking for donations to cover operating costs over the next 90 days or risk closure. Hospital officials later said $600,000 was needed or the hospital could close in the very near future.During Wednesday’s meeting presentations were offered by Mark Gregson, chief operating officer of SPMH, Supervisor Kathy Long, the Fillmore and Santa Paula Chambers of Commerce and Bobkiewicz, who offered an overview of rural health issues.Members of the public also offered comment, with speakers addressing the need for the facility, built with community donations over 40 years ago, and questioning expenditures and full disclosure of same, as well as proposed solutions to the financial crisis.The 49-bed “Hospital on the Hill,” one of only three in California built entirely with community donations, has received about $100,000 in contributions over the past month. The possibility of a merger or sale to a larger hospital, such as Ventura County Medical Center, Community Memorial or St. John’s, is also on the table.