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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

San Benito County Grand Jury • 2015-2016

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Emergency Department

124 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 6 findings

F1 Page 59
The SBCGJ was impressed with the ED operations and facilities at HHH. More than one experienced, local, medical professional has referred to HHH ED as "the jewel on the hill" that the people in SBC do not realize they have.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 60
(F1) The HHH should encourage SBC residents to be aware of the positive, medical professional recognition Hazel Hawkins Hospital receives.
F2 Page 59
The ED management company after many years of service was finally replaced after alleged reported poor performance and staffing issues. Current HHH research data shows that conditions are improving and patient satisfaction scores have improved since the new management company took over.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 60
(F2) Maintain an open dialogue with the new management company to ensure that the ED continues its excellent performance.
F3 Page 59
The SBCGJ found there have been many state-of-the-art improvements and more effective policies and procedures put in place that are greatly improving operations and patient healthcare at the ED.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Page 60
(F3) Keep the community informed to improve public perception of HHH and the ED.
F4 Page 59
Hospital ratings are much more complex than citizens realize. Public perception of a poor rating is detrimental to the overall reputation and economic well-being of the institution.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Page 60
(F4) Disseminate the hospital's rating results and corrective actions to the general public through local media sources, public relations presentations to various local community organizations, and public periodicals published by HHH.
F5 Page 59
The 5150 patient situations are not being addressed in a timely manner between the ED and BH, causing the ED an extra burden and increased expenses. The ED 57 Medical Director does not have the authority to assign and release 5150 holds. This lack of authority adds to unnecessarily longer hold times and higher expenses for 5150 patients at the ED.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Page 60
(F5) The ED Medical Director or ED Physician on duty should also have the authority to assign and release 5150 holds. By sharing this authority with BH, a higher operational efficiency and potentially large healthcare cost savings could be realized by the ED.
F6 Page 60
There is no clear, agreed upon protocol between HHH ED and SBC BH regarding the treatment, handling, and associated costs of 5150 patients confined in the ED.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Page 60
(F6) HHH ED and SBC BH need a comprehensive written agreement addressing the responsibilities of each organization as to the confinement, treatment, handling, and associated costs of 5150 patients brought into the ED. REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the grand jury requests responses as follows: From the following governing bodies: Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Board of Directors (response required ) Board of Supervisors, County of San Benito (response required )