Media Advisory

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Thursday, June 5, 2014

WHAT

Contra Costa Health Services' Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division will hold a public hearing on the impacts of the potential downgrade or closure of hospital emergency services at Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo. The purpose of this hearing is not to determine whether or not the hospital will close. The hearing is part of the legally-mandated process whenever changes to hospital emergency services are proposed. Contra Costa EMS is required by state law to hold the hearing to collect public comment on the impacts and to submit the public comment in a report this month to the state Health and Human Services Agency.

WHEN:

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, June 9

WHERE:

Maple Hall, 13831 San Pablo Ave., San Pablo

WHY:

As the local Emergency Services Authority for the county, Contra Costa EMS is required by state law to hold a public hearing on downgrades or closures of a facility that provides emergency medical services. Doctors Medical Center notified Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) in April of its intention to close pending the outcome of a proposed tax measure on the ballot in May that would have provided funding for the hospital. The measure failed and CCHS has received notice that the hospital could close by the end of July.

WHO:

The hearing will include information presented by CCHS, Doctors Medical Center and other impacted agencies. Presenters will include Contra Costa EMS Director Patricia Frost, CCHS Director and County Health Officer William Walker, M.D., and Doctors Medical Center CEO Dawn Gideon.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend and comment.

Written comments must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. June 9 in order to be included in the impact report. Written comments will be accepted via email to EMS Director Pat Frost at Patricia.Frost@hsd.cccounty.us, fax: 925 313-8389, or mail: Contra Costa EMS, 1340 Arnold Drive, Suite 126, Martinez, CA 94553.

For more information, visit cchealth.org/dmc

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