“Since it was the intent of the donor that these funds benefit the hospital,” SPHA and the bankruptcy post confirmation committee entered into an agreement in November to ensure they would be available to the SCVWF or the county healthcare agency for healthcare related purposes specifically identified by Santa Paula Hospital. The funds were transferred in December, and in March the SCVWF requested the approximately $190,000 for Santa Paula Hospital equipment.Also requested was a $16,900 administrative charge, characterized by the SCVWF “as customary for administration of grants,” according to Bobkiewicz’s report. A letter from the SCVWF noted that such administrative funds would be placed in their general fund for other healthcare expenditures.“However,” noted Bobkiewicz’s report, “under these circumstances, staff believes these funds would be better reserved for future requests of equipment by Santa Paula Hospital.” The full Council, acting as SPHA Directors, voted to make the grant and deny the administrative charge.
SP Healthcare Authority gives grant to benefit hospital
April 30, 2008
Santa Paula News
The City Council, seated as the Santa Paula Healthcare Authority (SPHA), made its first grant from a bequest that sought to support the local medical center before the then Santa Paula Memorial Hospital shut down and filed for bankruptcy in 2003.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council, seated as the Santa Paula Healthcare Authority (SPHA), made its first grant from a bequest that sought to support the local medical center before the then Santa Paula Memorial Hospital shut down and filed for bankruptcy in 2003. Now, funds - minus requested administrative charges - will be redirected via the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation (SCVWF) to the Santa Paula Hospital, opened by the Ventura County Health Care Agency almost two years ago. Authority directors gifted the funds at the April 21 meeting.Created by the city several years ago as an “entity to protect the interests of the residents of Santa Paula during the bankruptcy proceedings” of SPMH, the city and healthcare agency filed a $2.15 million claim against the hospital on behalf of the community. According to City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz’s report, one of the remaining assets of the memorial hospital was a $240,932.24 gift from the Frank R. Brucker 2000 Charitable Remainder Trust, which was donated during the course of the bankruptcy to the SPMH Foundation.
