Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 03/24/1997 All articles from this issue

El Camino's physician practices not affected by new bylaws

printer friendly version

By Clyde Noel / Town Crier Staff Writer

In a press conference last Friday morning, officials of MidPeninsula Home Care and Hospice Services said acceptance of their bylaws by the the El Camino Hospital District board will have no effect on physician practices at El Camino Hospital.

"Physician assisted suicide, at this point in time, is illegal in the state of California," said John Hart, executive director of the MidPeninsula Home Care and Hospice Services, referring to one of the bylaw restrictions. "On that basis alone, we are precluded from participating in those activities."

And although the bylaws, agreed upon by the hospital board March 6, included a prohibition on abortions, Hart indicated the ruling applied specifically to the hospice.

"We provide medical assistance to patients in their homes, sometimes following hospitalization as an extension to physician services," Hart said. "In a separate activity, MidPeninsula does not perform surgical procedures that may include abortions."

In 1986, the El Camino and Sequoia hospital districts purchased the non-profit MidPeninsula Home Care and Hospice Services.In August 1996, Sequoia Hospital selected Catholic Healthcare West Systems to form a new corporation called Sequoia Health Services.

The merger required a change in the bylaws and a revision of policies consistent with those of Catholic Healthcare West's values for community sponsorship.

With the change in bylaws, two more seats on the hospice board were added, involving El Camino Hospital representation.

They were filled by Los Altos residents Victoria Emmons of the hospital staff and Los Altos resident Karen Duncan.

munity healthcare information systems.

"Home and hospice care is going to play an increasing important role in 21st century healthcare, and I want to help shape that role," said Duncan. "In my investigation, MidPeninsula is a well managed organization and I am pleased to be affiliated with the hospice services.

Emmons, who also serves as president of the El Camino Hospital Foundation and is responsible for marketing and community relations, said her reasons for taking the position were more personal.

"I have had a long history of fund-raising for hospital activity at Washington Hospital in Fremont, and my father-in-law used hospice services some years ago and it meant a great deal to my family," Emmons said.

Richard Warren, executive director of El Camino Hospital District said. "I'm really pleased ECH has been involved with this very successful program on the Peninsula. Dianna Adair has been a real leader on the board. This program will now be expanded to the South Bay with the addition of O'Connor Hospital."