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Published on 06/19/1996 All articles from this issue

Hospital board needs 'new blood'

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An Editorial Comment

The El Camino Hospital District Board has three open seats forthe November election. Any takers?

With the hospital beset by rumors of mass layoffs, a lawsuit challengingmanagement practices and questions of overall survival, the positionof El Camino Hospital board member is not for the faint-hearted.

The new board members will face significant changes at the hospital,depending on the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the current board.(A hearing is set for July 16.) A ruling in favor of the lawsuit,which would, in effect, dismantle the current Camino Healthcaremanagement, could either usher in a new era or mark the beginningof the end. Some feel that beginning is already here.

Such negativism aside, District Board membership also representsthe ultimate challenge for someone with business savvy, healthcare knowledge and common sense.

Perhaps the most important prerequisite is that the new applicantshave no axes to grind. Currently, two of the five board membersare physicians. And it's the doctors, some of whom are strugglingto accept today's economics, who are fueling the current revolt.

The hospital and hospital district alike will benefit from threenew "white hats" who are competent, knowledgeable andwant to serve from the standpoint of saving the hospital - notprotecting their interests.

Do three such unbiased, intelligent and willing people exist?

If there's any region that can offer residents with these specialtalents, it's ours. We certainly hope some "white hats"come forward - the hospital most definitely needs the help.

Prospective applicants or individuals who would like to proposea candidate can get additional information through the ad hocgroup that meets periodically at the Town Crier building to discusshospital issues. Those interested can leave a message on the TownCrier Feedback Phone, call 948-9000, ext. 7.