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Extraído del Informe Consolidado

Esta investigación fue publicada originalmente como parte de un informe consolidado más amplio que contiene múltiples investigaciones. Consulte el PDF consolidado para ver el documento completo.

Trinity County Grand Jury • 2002-2003

County Health Officer - Public Health Department Environmental Health

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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F2

Findings 3 findings

F1 Page 64
We found Dr. Krouse to be open in that he was frank in responses to all questions asked. He said that the problem of the nursing shortage at the hospital does not extend to the public health department. He stated that he works well with the staff in Public Health Nursing, for whom he has high praise. Interviewed staff members in that department concurred that they have a comfortable professional relationship with Dr. Krouse with mutual respect for abilities. In response to questions, he believes that the present placement of the Environmental Health Officers in the Planning Department is working well. The fact that the present environmental health officers used to be under his direct supervision, and that they continue to maintain good communication, assures a smooth interchange of information. Homeland Security is adding several new requirements to all health and safety functions in the county, but they are primarily focused on fire and rescue, and hospital/triage areas. Biological terrorism, and plans for prevention and treatment, extend to all areas of health care. He also said that as a part-time Health Director he is somewhat “out of the loop” in the power and decision making processes in the county. The head of the Human Services Department is responsible for most decisions. Informal meetings between environmental health officers and the County Health Officer provide adequate communication at present and may rely on the experience and mutual respect between the present employees. The Public Health Department is involved in active health care as well as prevention. -2-
F3 Page 74
Combining the Environmental Health Department with the Building and Development Services Department provides for improved communication between these groups and makes applications for building and remodeling permits easier for the public since it is now possible to clear these requirements in one setting. All interviewees agreed that the present system is working well. Dr. Krouse, the county health officer, stated that he thought that one reason it worked well was because he was both environmental officers' supervisor before the reorganization, and good communication has continued. Dr. Krouse's point about possible loss of easy, informal information exchange should there be a change in personnel, is well taken. An additional potential problem is that informal sessions are not documented. Response: I agree.
F4 Page 71
"Based on statistics, there has been a significant reduction in accidents, hazards, incidents, and workers' compensation claims since the inception of the Safety and Risk Management Committee. General classes for employees and one-on-one training in policies and procedures are provided when indicated. People attending the meeting were organized and well prepared. The meetings were smoothly and efficiently run. The course attended by a committee was well organized and valuable; information was presented clearly. The meetings of the committee and the observed course provided maximum information with minimal disruption of work schedules."

Recommendations 2