http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644 Having just returned from the ER of the Tehachapi Hospital I was alarmed. What has this town being doing since the early 50's when this place was built.?? While the people were great, the facility is just from the dark ages. Forget all the future plans, Get this new place started before we loose all the citizens. Their is a aging population in this town who won't be able to travel to Bakersfield and Lancaster. Is is that the board of directiors or the adminstrator that is holding things up. &nbsp;Toothy Having just returned from the ER of the Tehachapi Hospital I was alarmed. What has this town being doing since the early 50's when this place was built.?? While the people were great, the facility is just from the dark ages. Forget all the future plans, Get this new place started before we loose all the citizens. Their is a aging population in this town who won't be able to travel to Bakersfield and Lancaster. Is is that the board of directiors or the adminstrator that is holding things up. &nbsp;Toothy en-us I've been going to Tehachapi Hospital since I was a baby because I have asthma. Once or twice a year, I was admitted to the hospital for medical care regarding that. At times, the care was iffy, but for the most part, the doctors were competent and they were able to give me the treatment I needed, get me out of there and better. But yes, the place is completely antiquated and not up to code, which is why we're getting a new hospital. What disturbs me about the whole thing, is that my tax money is going toward this new facility, yet if the same people are running the new one that run the current one, I won't be able to use it. I am one of the many in this community that has insurance managed by GemCare, which the hospital is not accepting. It disgusts me that the current hospital management cannot work their problems out with HMOs so that someone like me, who could have an asthma attack at any time, doesn't have to drive an hour to get to emergency medical care when needed. It could mean the difference between life and death. A hospital should be there for emergency service for the whole community, not just those who have medi-cal or medicare. I pay good money to have my medical insurance and I pay my taxes to support this hospital - why can't they simply give me the service that I pay for? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7696 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7696 I've been going to Tehachapi Hospital since I was a baby because I have asthma. Once or twice a year, I was admitted to the hospital for medical care regarding that. At times, the care was iffy, but for the most part, the doctors were competent and they were able to give me the treatment I needed, get me out of there and better. But yes, the place is completely antiquated and not up to code, which is why we're getting a new hospital. What disturbs me about the whole thing, is that my tax money is going toward this new facility, yet if the same people are running the new one that run the current one, I won't be able to use it. I am one of the many in this community that has insurance managed by GemCare, which the hospital is not accepting. It disgusts me that the current hospital management cannot work their problems out with HMOs so that someone like me, who could have an asthma attack at any time, doesn't have to drive an hour to get to emergency medical care when needed. It could mean the difference between life and death. A hospital should be there for emergency service for the whole community, not just those who have medi-cal or medicare. I pay good money to have my medical insurance and I pay my taxes to support this hospital - why can't they simply give me the service that I pay for? i agree with your !00 % Mimi. I too suffer from asthma. I have never experienced this problem before with hospitals. Our hospital should serve the entire community no matter what insurance type. Kaiser has same problem in that they need to go out of town. what can we do to correct this problem? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7700 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7700 i agree with your !00 % Mimi. I too suffer from asthma. I have never experienced this problem before with hospitals. Our hospital should serve the entire community no matter what insurance type. Kaiser has same problem in that they need to go out of town. what can we do to correct this problem? You are all making very valid points.&nbsp; Here are some things to consider.&nbsp; It is absolutely true that the current Tehachapi Hospital is old, overcrowded and unattractive.&nbsp; What you should expect to receive when you come to it is that the facility should be clean and that the staff (clerical, nursing and medical staff) should be compassionate, knowledgable and have the necessary skills to take care of your medical issue.&nbsp; If you find problems in any of these areas, you should complain and let the management staff know about it.&nbsp; We really do care and something will be done.&nbsp; If you don't get satisfaction from whoever you are dealing with then let me know about it.&nbsp; With regard to the construction of the new hospital, the plans were completed early in 2006 and submitted to the State of California for approval on March 29, 2006.&nbsp; They were reviewed by State architects charged with oversight over hospital building plans and they were returned back to the hospital's architects on August 4, 2006 with corrections and changes.&nbsp; This is normal.&nbsp; The State never approves hospital construction plans on the first submittal.&nbsp; Since that time the plans have been in the hands of the hospital's architects and engineers who are making the changes requested by the State.&nbsp; The current goal is to resubmit the plans by early November.&nbsp; As far as hospital construction projects are concerned, we doing very well.&nbsp; If you are concerned that this project is taking too long, you should check with anyone familiar with the Lancaster Community Hospital new hospital project in Palmdale.&nbsp; It took them years to get to the same point that we are at in just 7 months.&nbsp; Will the plans be approved when we resubmit next month?&nbsp; Probably not.&nbsp; The odds are still against us.&nbsp; But they should be approved by the next resubmittal and each resubmittal cycle should be shorter.&nbsp; Our plan is to gain approval in 2007 and begin construction.&nbsp; I, too, am concerned about the GEMCare contract that Mimi brings up as a concern.&nbsp; With respect to emergency care, please know that no one, regardless of insurance classification, will ever be turned away from the local hospital.&nbsp; In fact it is a Federal law that hospital cannot require insurance information prior to allowing a patient to be seen by a doctor.&nbsp; It is also a responsibility of your HMO to pay the hospital for your care, whether they have a contract with the hospital or not.&nbsp; You have a right to emergency care at the closest hospital and your insurance company cannot take that away from you.&nbsp; Regretfully Tehachapi Hospital cancelled its contract with GEMCare in November of 2004.&nbsp; The reason was that GEMCare would not agree to pay the hospital at rates that the hospital already receives from other insurance plans, most notably Medicare.&nbsp; The hospital contracts with the health plan for Kern County employees and it also pays a much higher rate.&nbsp; The other reason, however, is that GEMCare has always made it difficult for local Tehachapi residents to use Tehachapi Hospital, even when we did have a contract with them.&nbsp; We had many reports of GEMCare patients that were referred to Bakersfield for services that were available at Tehachapi Hospital and that we were contracting with GEMCare to provide.&nbsp; Ultimately, I believe that we do need to have a way for HMO patients to use our hospital.&nbsp; We just signed a contract with CIGNA recently which allows CIGNA patients to use all the services of the local hospital.&nbsp; I believe that other health plans will follow suit, including Kaiser.&nbsp; Thank you for publishing your concerns so that we can address them. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7720 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7720 You are all making very valid points.&nbsp; Here are some things to consider.&nbsp; It is absolutely true that the current Tehachapi Hospital is old, overcrowded and unattractive.&nbsp; What you should expect to receive when you come to it is that the facility should be clean and that the staff (clerical, nursing and medical staff) should be compassionate, knowledgable and have the necessary skills to take care of your medical issue.&nbsp; If you find problems in any of these areas, you should complain and let the management staff know about it.&nbsp; We really do care and something will be done.&nbsp; If you don't get satisfaction from whoever you are dealing with then let me know about it.&nbsp; With regard to the construction of the new hospital, the plans were completed early in 2006 and submitted to the State of California for approval on March 29, 2006.&nbsp; They were reviewed by State architects charged with oversight over hospital building plans and they were returned back to the hospital's architects on August 4, 2006 with corrections and changes.&nbsp; This is normal.&nbsp; The State never approves hospital construction plans on the first submittal.&nbsp; Since that time the plans have been in the hands of the hospital's architects and engineers who are making the changes requested by the State.&nbsp; The current goal is to resubmit the plans by early November.&nbsp; As far as hospital construction projects are concerned, we doing very well.&nbsp; If you are concerned that this project is taking too long, you should check with anyone familiar with the Lancaster Community Hospital new hospital project in Palmdale.&nbsp; It took them years to get to the same point that we are at in just 7 months.&nbsp; Will the plans be approved when we resubmit next month?&nbsp; Probably not.&nbsp; The odds are still against us.&nbsp; But they should be approved by the next resubmittal and each resubmittal cycle should be shorter.&nbsp; Our plan is to gain approval in 2007 and begin construction.&nbsp; I, too, am concerned about the GEMCare contract that Mimi brings up as a concern.&nbsp; With respect to emergency care, please know that no one, regardless of insurance classification, will ever be turned away from the local hospital.&nbsp; In fact it is a Federal law that hospital cannot require insurance information prior to allowing a patient to be seen by a doctor.&nbsp; It is also a responsibility of your HMO to pay the hospital for your care, whether they have a contract with the hospital or not.&nbsp; You have a right to emergency care at the closest hospital and your insurance company cannot take that away from you.&nbsp; Regretfully Tehachapi Hospital cancelled its contract with GEMCare in November of 2004.&nbsp; The reason was that GEMCare would not agree to pay the hospital at rates that the hospital already receives from other insurance plans, most notably Medicare.&nbsp; The hospital contracts with the health plan for Kern County employees and it also pays a much higher rate.&nbsp; The other reason, however, is that GEMCare has always made it difficult for local Tehachapi residents to use Tehachapi Hospital, even when we did have a contract with them.&nbsp; We had many reports of GEMCare patients that were referred to Bakersfield for services that were available at Tehachapi Hospital and that we were contracting with GEMCare to provide.&nbsp; Ultimately, I believe that we do need to have a way for HMO patients to use our hospital.&nbsp; We just signed a contract with CIGNA recently which allows CIGNA patients to use all the services of the local hospital.&nbsp; I believe that other health plans will follow suit, including Kaiser.&nbsp; Thank you for publishing your concerns so that we can address them. <p>I have had emergency visits to Tehachapi Hospital, and have now left strict instructions with my family to take me anywhere but there.&nbsp; Unless the practices and rules that are currently in play drastically change, the new hospital will be plagued with the same horror stories, albeit in a prettier package.<br /> I will not bore you with my scary Tehachapi Hospital ER story.&nbsp; We have heard so many throughout this community, and mine mirrors them all.<br /> I am impressed that Mr. Hino took the time to reply to this thread.&nbsp; It takes a LONG time to reach him via phone as he has directed people to do, but it can be done.&nbsp; I believe Mr. Hino is a caring, knowledgable man who knows the depth of the issues... I just hope that there is a way to avoid them in the new facility.<br /> One question for you, Mr. Hino--how does the Hospital Board affect the new facility?&nbsp; What role do these people play overall?&nbsp; How will it affect the care, should Doctors run the board?&nbsp; I have heard people worried about the lack of oversight and discipline should an error happen--like the fox guarding the henhouse, so to speak.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Thanks in advance for your reply.</p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7723 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7723 <p>I have had emergency visits to Tehachapi Hospital, and have now left strict instructions with my family to take me anywhere but there.&nbsp; Unless the practices and rules that are currently in play drastically change, the new hospital will be plagued with the same horror stories, albeit in a prettier package.<br /> I will not bore you with my scary Tehachapi Hospital ER story.&nbsp; We have heard so many throughout this community, and mine mirrors them all.<br /> I am impressed that Mr. Hino took the time to reply to this thread.&nbsp; It takes a LONG time to reach him via phone as he has directed people to do, but it can be done.&nbsp; I believe Mr. Hino is a caring, knowledgable man who knows the depth of the issues... I just hope that there is a way to avoid them in the new facility.<br /> One question for you, Mr. Hino--how does the Hospital Board affect the new facility?&nbsp; What role do these people play overall?&nbsp; How will it affect the care, should Doctors run the board?&nbsp; I have heard people worried about the lack of oversight and discipline should an error happen--like the fox guarding the henhouse, so to speak.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Thanks in advance for your reply.</p> Tehachapi hospital is only as good as the Doctor working that day. If you where bleeding to death and only had 20 minutes of blood left, will your strict instructions help or hurt you? In other words in a REAL emergency is Tehachapi Hospital better then no hospital? A new hospital will attract new and hopefully better Doctors, this will improve the hospital no? Don't just vote for one of the Doctors just because there a MD. Vote for the people that can do the best job. If you have an&nbsp;emergency and your family rushes to Bakersfield and you crash on the way is that better? Your strict instructions will get yourself killed or someone else. Hall's will be picking you up on the side of&nbsp;58 and be taking you to the closest hospital&gt; Tehachapi Hospital! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7724 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7724 Tehachapi hospital is only as good as the Doctor working that day. If you where bleeding to death and only had 20 minutes of blood left, will your strict instructions help or hurt you? In other words in a REAL emergency is Tehachapi Hospital better then no hospital? A new hospital will attract new and hopefully better Doctors, this will improve the hospital no? Don't just vote for one of the Doctors just because there a MD. Vote for the people that can do the best job. If you have an&nbsp;emergency and your family rushes to Bakersfield and you crash on the way is that better? Your strict instructions will get yourself killed or someone else. Hall's will be picking you up on the side of&nbsp;58 and be taking you to the closest hospital&gt; Tehachapi Hospital! &quot;If&quot; there is a doctor working that day,&nbsp; you mean...<br /> When I was there, with my heart problems, there wasn't a cardiologist to be found.&nbsp; And yes, I would have received quicker care if I had driven an hour.&nbsp; No speeding required.&nbsp; After many hours sitting in an overcrowded waiting room, and then in an overcrowded ER with&nbsp;6 patients in a room designed for 2, they found an unfamiliar (and not on Tehachapi Staff) &nbsp;cardiologist that prescribed a medication that I stated on my paperwork that I had a severe allergy to.&nbsp; When I was given the meds, I asked specifically if it was this particular drug, and was told &quot;NO, of course not... if you said you were allergic, then they won't give it to you&quot;.&nbsp; Then I had my foreseen reaction, and Tehachapi Hospital had no idea how to handle it, but tried giving me MORE...&nbsp; After awhile, the nurse figured out that they had given me that medication after all...&nbsp; just a generic name.&nbsp; The doctor did this all by phone, and if he was IN the hospital would have seen in big red letters that I was not to be given that medication.&nbsp; The hospital never did call my primary cardiologist--I still have no idea why.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> (And as a note--I have indeed bypassed Tehachapi Hospital and driven to&nbsp;a more favorable facility--they took me in immediately and I was placed in a private ER room...&nbsp; MY doctor was called, and he came in to take care of me.&nbsp; I had a cardiac nurse at my side the entire time.&nbsp; My ER experience there was impeccable--especially in comparison to my experience at Tehachapi.)<br /> Obviously, if I had 20 minutes of blood left (interesting hypothetical), I would have no choice but to resort to Tehachapi Hospital.&nbsp; My instructions are for my specific situation.&nbsp; I truly doubt that I will be in the situation where I had &quot;no&quot; choices.<br /> After dealing with Tehachapi Hospital's lab/x-ray departments by ordering tests there and having results and reports called in or mailed,&nbsp;my doctors have now asked me specifically to bypass Tehachapi Hospital if possible.&nbsp; They don't want to blatantly &quot;diss&quot; the Hospital, but diplomatically and directly requested me to do this... One of them actually said that he saw the results of Tehachapi's testing, and wanted it repeated at a different facility because it was so bad.<br /> Once I had my daughter's hand x-rayed because of a possible fracture... They&nbsp;showed me&nbsp;3 films and found no fracture.&nbsp; Then a tech emerged from the back, as she had looked at a film that they had thrown away because they accidentally did the &quot;wrong angle&quot; and then she found a sizeable break.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just think--it was in the trash... and if she hadn't found it, my daughter's hand would have healed incorrectly.&nbsp; She took it out of the trash because they had thrown it in the wrong trash can and she uncrumpled the film to see what it was...<br /> I didn't say anything about voting for the Doctors...&nbsp; I just know that most people are lemmings of the brightest sign and because of the name recognition they will be voted in as Board Members.&nbsp; I will be surprised if they aren't.&nbsp; I just am curious to see what the possible repercussions will be to the current Administration and to the Hospital itself.<br /> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7725 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7725 &quot;If&quot; there is a doctor working that day,&nbsp; you mean...<br /> When I was there, with my heart problems, there wasn't a cardiologist to be found.&nbsp; And yes, I would have received quicker care if I had driven an hour.&nbsp; No speeding required.&nbsp; After many hours sitting in an overcrowded waiting room, and then in an overcrowded ER with&nbsp;6 patients in a room designed for 2, they found an unfamiliar (and not on Tehachapi Staff) &nbsp;cardiologist that prescribed a medication that I stated on my paperwork that I had a severe allergy to.&nbsp; When I was given the meds, I asked specifically if it was this particular drug, and was told &quot;NO, of course not... if you said you were allergic, then they won't give it to you&quot;.&nbsp; Then I had my foreseen reaction, and Tehachapi Hospital had no idea how to handle it, but tried giving me MORE...&nbsp; After awhile, the nurse figured out that they had given me that medication after all...&nbsp; just a generic name.&nbsp; The doctor did this all by phone, and if he was IN the hospital would have seen in big red letters that I was not to be given that medication.&nbsp; The hospital never did call my primary cardiologist--I still have no idea why.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> (And as a note--I have indeed bypassed Tehachapi Hospital and driven to&nbsp;a more favorable facility--they took me in immediately and I was placed in a private ER room...&nbsp; MY doctor was called, and he came in to take care of me.&nbsp; I had a cardiac nurse at my side the entire time.&nbsp; My ER experience there was impeccable--especially in comparison to my experience at Tehachapi.)<br /> Obviously, if I had 20 minutes of blood left (interesting hypothetical), I would have no choice but to resort to Tehachapi Hospital.&nbsp; My instructions are for my specific situation.&nbsp; I truly doubt that I will be in the situation where I had &quot;no&quot; choices.<br /> After dealing with Tehachapi Hospital's lab/x-ray departments by ordering tests there and having results and reports called in or mailed,&nbsp;my doctors have now asked me specifically to bypass Tehachapi Hospital if possible.&nbsp; They don't want to blatantly &quot;diss&quot; the Hospital, but diplomatically and directly requested me to do this... One of them actually said that he saw the results of Tehachapi's testing, and wanted it repeated at a different facility because it was so bad.<br /> Once I had my daughter's hand x-rayed because of a possible fracture... They&nbsp;showed me&nbsp;3 films and found no fracture.&nbsp; Then a tech emerged from the back, as she had looked at a film that they had thrown away because they accidentally did the &quot;wrong angle&quot; and then she found a sizeable break.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just think--it was in the trash... and if she hadn't found it, my daughter's hand would have healed incorrectly.&nbsp; She took it out of the trash because they had thrown it in the wrong trash can and she uncrumpled the film to see what it was...<br /> I didn't say anything about voting for the Doctors...&nbsp; I just know that most people are lemmings of the brightest sign and because of the name recognition they will be voted in as Board Members.&nbsp; I will be surprised if they aren't.&nbsp; I just am curious to see what the possible repercussions will be to the current Administration and to the Hospital itself.<br /> There is only an ER doctor at Tehachapi Hospital and he/she is there 24/7! There's&nbsp;not even a Cardiologist full time in the whole town of Tehachapi. Should the hospital the size of Tehachapi have one on full time? How about an OB/GYN? No hospital has that not even in Bakersfield!&nbsp; You summed it up by saying you went to a larger hospital and got what you needed. Tehachapi Hospital is small and will be small until the new one is built. You will never ever get the same care in Tehachapi then you would in like LA or Bakersfield. Why? because Tehachapi has a population of 40,000 in the greater area. The hospital will never have the need for a full time cardiologist. Maybe when town gets to like 100,000. Whats next you will want a full time trauma staff on call? Come on we are a small town, we will have a small hospital that will serve a small town. It's the same as you can go to Walmart and Kmart in Bakersfield because they have a full time need for both! Here in Tehachapi we have the need for only K-mart! When we have the full time need we will get more! If you fill your to far from a real hospital then move to LA or Bakersfield.<br /> <br /> The new hospital will bring new and better doctors. Will it bring on full time cardiac care and trauma doctors?&nbsp; Hell NO!<br /> <br /> Lets talk about bad Bakersfield hospital stories, they are so over worked they tell ambulances to go away. Remember when Mercy and San Joaquin sent that 16y/o kid away for being sick, he finally went to KMC where he was told he was bleeding to death inside. He died and he was seen at 3 different Bakersfield hospitals. your story is not confined to just Tehachapi Hospital. I can and will post 1000's of stories of bad medicine at many many big hospital all over the world!<br /> <br /> Just for your info. my dad had a stroke last year. We decided to take him to Mercy in Bakersfield, why? because we thought he would get better care there. He got good care but didn't get the care ( clot buster meds) we wanted. I was told Tehachapi does this clot buster treatment and he would have gotten it there.&nbsp; So was it worth the drive? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7726 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7726 There is only an ER doctor at Tehachapi Hospital and he/she is there 24/7! There's&nbsp;not even a Cardiologist full time in the whole town of Tehachapi. Should the hospital the size of Tehachapi have one on full time? How about an OB/GYN? No hospital has that not even in Bakersfield!&nbsp; You summed it up by saying you went to a larger hospital and got what you needed. Tehachapi Hospital is small and will be small until the new one is built. You will never ever get the same care in Tehachapi then you would in like LA or Bakersfield. Why? because Tehachapi has a population of 40,000 in the greater area. The hospital will never have the need for a full time cardiologist. Maybe when town gets to like 100,000. Whats next you will want a full time trauma staff on call? Come on we are a small town, we will have a small hospital that will serve a small town. It's the same as you can go to Walmart and Kmart in Bakersfield because they have a full time need for both! Here in Tehachapi we have the need for only K-mart! When we have the full time need we will get more! If you fill your to far from a real hospital then move to LA or Bakersfield.<br /> <br /> The new hospital will bring new and better doctors. Will it bring on full time cardiac care and trauma doctors?&nbsp; Hell NO!<br /> <br /> Lets talk about bad Bakersfield hospital stories, they are so over worked they tell ambulances to go away. Remember when Mercy and San Joaquin sent that 16y/o kid away for being sick, he finally went to KMC where he was told he was bleeding to death inside. He died and he was seen at 3 different Bakersfield hospitals. your story is not confined to just Tehachapi Hospital. I can and will post 1000's of stories of bad medicine at many many big hospital all over the world!<br /> <br /> Just for your info. my dad had a stroke last year. We decided to take him to Mercy in Bakersfield, why? because we thought he would get better care there. He got good care but didn't get the care ( clot buster meds) we wanted. I was told Tehachapi does this clot buster treatment and he would have gotten it there.&nbsp; So was it worth the drive? <p>Hey I didn't mean to upset you...&nbsp; I apologize if I have hit a nerve.<br /> I do not think it to be too much to ask, to have the local hospital have specialists on call who are willing to come in (or at least be ready to take calls) 24/7.&nbsp; I grew up in a small town of 25,000 people, and we not only had staff on call, but often in house.&nbsp; So whoever gave you the impression that it was unreasonable to have specialists on call/in house in a town the size of Tehachapi is underestimating the possibilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> You are right, most hospitals have lists of bad stories and disgruntled patients.&nbsp; But, in my (and others') defense, there seem to be a higher ratio at this facility.&nbsp; I think the Grand Jury's investigation report reflected&nbsp;many of the deficits.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I believe that if Tehachapi Hospital, as you say, cannot afford or chooses not to supply, specialists at least in a reliable on-call situation, that they should not be listed as an Emergency Room, but rather as an Urgent Care facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;This makes a huge difference when it comes to billing insurances, patient expectation, etc.<br /> I really didn't mean to make you so upset.&nbsp; I am sad to think that you'd rather take tax-paying, law-abiding neighbors and tell them to move away simply because there is a deficiency in the Hospital...&nbsp; ;)&nbsp; There are many of us folks who just take a nice drive down the hill to see our docs...&nbsp; and we don't complain.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I don't have any indication that a larger hospital will bring more doctors to Tehachapi.&nbsp; Is there some factual evidence that I am missing?&nbsp; I have seen some lovely hospitals that remain short-staffed.&nbsp; This is not because of the lack of facilities, or the beauty of the buildings, but rather a short supply of housing and amenities.&nbsp; We already have a huge shortage of registered nurses all across the State, and many doctors are opting for out-of-California practices due to the large cost of malpractice insurance.&nbsp; Even large established respected hospitals in the San Fernando Valley are having to offer huge stipends to incoming new hires on the nursing staff, and are offering all sorts of initiatives to doctors that sign on.<br /> Again, I'm sorry that&nbsp;I have said something that you have taken personally.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> </p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7729 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7729 <p>Hey I didn't mean to upset you...&nbsp; I apologize if I have hit a nerve.<br /> I do not think it to be too much to ask, to have the local hospital have specialists on call who are willing to come in (or at least be ready to take calls) 24/7.&nbsp; I grew up in a small town of 25,000 people, and we not only had staff on call, but often in house.&nbsp; So whoever gave you the impression that it was unreasonable to have specialists on call/in house in a town the size of Tehachapi is underestimating the possibilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> You are right, most hospitals have lists of bad stories and disgruntled patients.&nbsp; But, in my (and others') defense, there seem to be a higher ratio at this facility.&nbsp; I think the Grand Jury's investigation report reflected&nbsp;many of the deficits.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I believe that if Tehachapi Hospital, as you say, cannot afford or chooses not to supply, specialists at least in a reliable on-call situation, that they should not be listed as an Emergency Room, but rather as an Urgent Care facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;This makes a huge difference when it comes to billing insurances, patient expectation, etc.<br /> I really didn't mean to make you so upset.&nbsp; I am sad to think that you'd rather take tax-paying, law-abiding neighbors and tell them to move away simply because there is a deficiency in the Hospital...&nbsp; ;)&nbsp; There are many of us folks who just take a nice drive down the hill to see our docs...&nbsp; and we don't complain.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I don't have any indication that a larger hospital will bring more doctors to Tehachapi.&nbsp; Is there some factual evidence that I am missing?&nbsp; I have seen some lovely hospitals that remain short-staffed.&nbsp; This is not because of the lack of facilities, or the beauty of the buildings, but rather a short supply of housing and amenities.&nbsp; We already have a huge shortage of registered nurses all across the State, and many doctors are opting for out-of-California practices due to the large cost of malpractice insurance.&nbsp; Even large established respected hospitals in the San Fernando Valley are having to offer huge stipends to incoming new hires on the nursing staff, and are offering all sorts of initiatives to doctors that sign on.<br /> Again, I'm sorry that&nbsp;I have said something that you have taken personally.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> </p> <br /> Neither the Board nor the admiinistration is 'holding things up' - Eventually there will be specialties here -&nbsp; Have you looked at where we live - 40 miles from anywhere and not too many medical professionals like to commute any more than you or I do.<br /> There is a national shortage of nurses,&nbsp; Doctors can work efficiently only so many hours a day .&nbsp; The specialties are in short supply.&nbsp; <br /> When there is a sufficient population base that will support a specialist - and believe me, you could not pay the fees&nbsp;that specialist would charge you now- and your med-insurance wouldn't hold still for it either-the doctors will become available&nbsp;when the patients are there -...Mostly specialists are not paid staff of a small general hospital -the price just isn't right.<br /> Give Tehachpi Hospital a chance&nbsp;- moan and groan if it makes you feel better - go where you must for care until it can be given here,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Just pray tjat there will not be any more delays in building a bigger facility. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7735 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7735 <br /> Neither the Board nor the admiinistration is 'holding things up' - Eventually there will be specialties here -&nbsp; Have you looked at where we live - 40 miles from anywhere and not too many medical professionals like to commute any more than you or I do.<br /> There is a national shortage of nurses,&nbsp; Doctors can work efficiently only so many hours a day .&nbsp; The specialties are in short supply.&nbsp; <br /> When there is a sufficient population base that will support a specialist - and believe me, you could not pay the fees&nbsp;that specialist would charge you now- and your med-insurance wouldn't hold still for it either-the doctors will become available&nbsp;when the patients are there -...Mostly specialists are not paid staff of a small general hospital -the price just isn't right.<br /> Give Tehachpi Hospital a chance&nbsp;- moan and groan if it makes you feel better - go where you must for care until it can be given here,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Just pray tjat there will not be any more delays in building a bigger facility. SrMalcontent, (love the name, btw)<br /> I agree with you 100%.&nbsp; That's what I was trying to say in the first place.&nbsp; The new facility might be pretty, but we're still left with the same staff and board.&nbsp; I am NOT saying that we have poor doctors or administrators here--only that due to the location, we are and will remain short-staffed.&nbsp;&nbsp; In fact, I believe that Dr. Horowitz is an outstanding doctor and has more talent than most &quot;Valley&quot; doctors...&nbsp; And Mr. Daniels, his PAC--Brilliant!&nbsp; But they cannot be there 24/7...&nbsp; But that's another story...<br /> A new facility will not change that.<br /> As such, I have always thought that Tehachapi Hospital should not advertise to offer Emergency Care services, as this does limit most people to &quot;the closest Emergency Room&quot; according to their insurance plans.&nbsp; Offering services as an Urgent Care would alleviate this.&nbsp;&nbsp; I mean, honestly--with the inability to bring specialists or have them on call, do you think it is moral to offer &quot;ER&quot; care?&nbsp; <br /> You're right, due to our location, it will be far down the road before new doctors will move here.&nbsp; As I said earlier, nowadays most doctors have rights at more than one hospital, and the commute is out of the question.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I just don't want people to think that a new building will change the entire situation.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have heard people preach about how a new facility will suddenly bring new doctors and nurses, will bring new and state of the art equipment, etc...&nbsp; but the reality is, we have the people we have, and even the high end hospitals in San Fernando Valley and Bakersfield with huge staffs and a heck of a lot more funding don't have <em>all </em>of the high-end equipment due to the high cost--so how can we expect little Tehachapi to support such equipment?&nbsp; We just can't.&nbsp; I feel badly for those that have bought into the dream of a bright new shiny hospital that will draw top end physicians/specialists and equipment...&nbsp; They believe that they will not have to travel down the hill for special treatments, and that their specialists will be here suddenly--all because of the new building.&nbsp; We need to offer more than a new hospital--we really need city planners that will design Tehachapi as a high-end place to live (ie Big Bear), and henceforth bring people that expect and bring quality and high end care.&nbsp; The Dollar Tree and K Mart aren't really setting us up for the sort of community most people want here...&nbsp; Not that I have anything against these stores (or Wal Mart), but we need a larger mix...&nbsp; some high end, some cheaper...&nbsp;&nbsp; Let's hear it for Trader Joes...&nbsp; Gelsons...&nbsp; Pier One...&nbsp; Cost Plus World Market...&nbsp; you know what I mean...&nbsp; but that's another thread :)<br /> I still would love to hear from Mr. Hino about the potential changes to the board.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7742 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7742 SrMalcontent, (love the name, btw)<br /> I agree with you 100%.&nbsp; That's what I was trying to say in the first place.&nbsp; The new facility might be pretty, but we're still left with the same staff and board.&nbsp; I am NOT saying that we have poor doctors or administrators here--only that due to the location, we are and will remain short-staffed.&nbsp;&nbsp; In fact, I believe that Dr. Horowitz is an outstanding doctor and has more talent than most &quot;Valley&quot; doctors...&nbsp; And Mr. Daniels, his PAC--Brilliant!&nbsp; But they cannot be there 24/7...&nbsp; But that's another story...<br /> A new facility will not change that.<br /> As such, I have always thought that Tehachapi Hospital should not advertise to offer Emergency Care services, as this does limit most people to &quot;the closest Emergency Room&quot; according to their insurance plans.&nbsp; Offering services as an Urgent Care would alleviate this.&nbsp;&nbsp; I mean, honestly--with the inability to bring specialists or have them on call, do you think it is moral to offer &quot;ER&quot; care?&nbsp; <br /> You're right, due to our location, it will be far down the road before new doctors will move here.&nbsp; As I said earlier, nowadays most doctors have rights at more than one hospital, and the commute is out of the question.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I just don't want people to think that a new building will change the entire situation.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have heard people preach about how a new facility will suddenly bring new doctors and nurses, will bring new and state of the art equipment, etc...&nbsp; but the reality is, we have the people we have, and even the high end hospitals in San Fernando Valley and Bakersfield with huge staffs and a heck of a lot more funding don't have <em>all </em>of the high-end equipment due to the high cost--so how can we expect little Tehachapi to support such equipment?&nbsp; We just can't.&nbsp; I feel badly for those that have bought into the dream of a bright new shiny hospital that will draw top end physicians/specialists and equipment...&nbsp; They believe that they will not have to travel down the hill for special treatments, and that their specialists will be here suddenly--all because of the new building.&nbsp; We need to offer more than a new hospital--we really need city planners that will design Tehachapi as a high-end place to live (ie Big Bear), and henceforth bring people that expect and bring quality and high end care.&nbsp; The Dollar Tree and K Mart aren't really setting us up for the sort of community most people want here...&nbsp; Not that I have anything against these stores (or Wal Mart), but we need a larger mix...&nbsp; some high end, some cheaper...&nbsp;&nbsp; Let's hear it for Trader Joes...&nbsp; Gelsons...&nbsp; Pier One...&nbsp; Cost Plus World Market...&nbsp; you know what I mean...&nbsp; but that's another thread :)<br /> I still would love to hear from Mr. Hino about the potential changes to the board.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> If they don't offer ER care the ambulance will not be able to stop there! They to will have to drive all the way to bakersfield! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7743 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7743 If they don't offer ER care the ambulance will not be able to stop there! They to will have to drive all the way to bakersfield! This is a great discussion and I am very happy to be invited to participate in it.  First of all, please let me say that the best way to get in touch with me without going through all the bureaucracy is to call my direct number.  It is 823-3001.  Another good way is through e-mail.  My e-mail address is <a href="mailto:ceo@tvhd.org">ceo@tvhd.org</a>  I would like to make a few comments about some of the observations in this thread.  First, as was said earlier, Tehachapi Hospital has 1 MD in the building at all times (24/7).  Most community hospitals have 2 types of physicians present in the facility full time.  That would be ER MDS and hospitalists.  Most other specialists, cardiologists included, have offices close to the hospital and are available to be called in, when needed.  Only University teaching hospitals are likely to have full time specialists inhouse 24/7.  But Tehachapi Hospital would like to get to the standard of most community hospitals and have specialists available on-call.  By the way, historically, on-call coverage by specialists was a service that was volunteered by physicians.  Nowdays the trend is for specialists to demand payment in order to be on-call for hospitals.  And with regard to getting more full time specialists in our community, I do believe that the new hospital will help.  We have 1 new specialist that has already come.  That is Dr. Paul Singh, an obstetrician who has moved his practice from Bakersfield and who is helping the hospital to design labor and delivery suites in the new hospital so that in the future, babies can be born here.  I believe that other specialists will look favorably at the growing population of Tehachapi and the availability of modern facilities and will move here as well.  And I agree with the statements above that "all hospitals have their stories."  We know that there are a lot of horror stories out there.  In a small town its hard to escape how fast bad news travels.  Some times the stories are true.   And we do the best that we can to fix the problem.  Sometimes the stories are not true.  And we are blamed for something that was missed at another facility.  Along with all the bad stories are a lot of very good stories too.  I can't tell you how many times I have been told, "Your hospital saved my life.  I was stabilized there and then sent to Bakersfield where they said that Tehachapi did everything right."  Let me talk about the Grand Jury report too.  That report was written by 3 people (2 of whom did not have a medical background).  The entire report is written based upon hearsay.  No facts to substantiate any of the findings.  And in looking at the findings, there are really only 2 major findings.  They are problems with the billing office and staff relations and conflicts.  Even if those findings are true (and we are treating both of these problem areas seriously and making changes, as necessary), we are gratified to see that there were no findings for the hospital and board of directors meeting their legal obligations and no adverse findings for quality of medical care.  With respect to Emergency Room designation versus Urgent Care designation, "medicone," above is correct.  Ambulances may not stop at Urgent Care Centers.  But really there is no reason why TVHD should downgrade its ER.  Our ER meets all State and Federal guidelines for a licensed Emergency room.  Finally, I have been asked by posters above to comment on the TVHD Board election.  And of course, I am limited in what I can say about the election.  The question was "how does the Hospital Board affect the new facility?"  The answer of course is that the Hospital Board ultimately makes all the major decisions for the new facility.  They decide what services are to be provided in the facility.  They decide who the contractor will be.  They decide what equipment is to be purchased.  Staff makes recommendations but the Board makes the ultimate decisions.  This Board election is critical to the ultimate completion of the new facility.   The Board can either push for timely completion of this project or they could cause it be be slowed.  Be sure and find out what the position is of your favorite candidate before you cast your vote.  Thank you again for this opportunity to communicate. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7749 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7749 This is a great discussion and I am very happy to be invited to participate in it.  First of all, please let me say that the best way to get in touch with me without going through all the bureaucracy is to call my direct number.  It is 823-3001.  Another good way is through e-mail.  My e-mail address is <a href="mailto:ceo@tvhd.org">ceo@tvhd.org</a>  I would like to make a few comments about some of the observations in this thread.  First, as was said earlier, Tehachapi Hospital has 1 MD in the building at all times (24/7).  Most community hospitals have 2 types of physicians present in the facility full time.  That would be ER MDS and hospitalists.  Most other specialists, cardiologists included, have offices close to the hospital and are available to be called in, when needed.  Only University teaching hospitals are likely to have full time specialists inhouse 24/7.  But Tehachapi Hospital would like to get to the standard of most community hospitals and have specialists available on-call.  By the way, historically, on-call coverage by specialists was a service that was volunteered by physicians.  Nowdays the trend is for specialists to demand payment in order to be on-call for hospitals.  And with regard to getting more full time specialists in our community, I do believe that the new hospital will help.  We have 1 new specialist that has already come.  That is Dr. Paul Singh, an obstetrician who has moved his practice from Bakersfield and who is helping the hospital to design labor and delivery suites in the new hospital so that in the future, babies can be born here.  I believe that other specialists will look favorably at the growing population of Tehachapi and the availability of modern facilities and will move here as well.  And I agree with the statements above that "all hospitals have their stories."  We know that there are a lot of horror stories out there.  In a small town its hard to escape how fast bad news travels.  Some times the stories are true.   And we do the best that we can to fix the problem.  Sometimes the stories are not true.  And we are blamed for something that was missed at another facility.  Along with all the bad stories are a lot of very good stories too.  I can't tell you how many times I have been told, "Your hospital saved my life.  I was stabilized there and then sent to Bakersfield where they said that Tehachapi did everything right."  Let me talk about the Grand Jury report too.  That report was written by 3 people (2 of whom did not have a medical background).  The entire report is written based upon hearsay.  No facts to substantiate any of the findings.  And in looking at the findings, there are really only 2 major findings.  They are problems with the billing office and staff relations and conflicts.  Even if those findings are true (and we are treating both of these problem areas seriously and making changes, as necessary), we are gratified to see that there were no findings for the hospital and board of directors meeting their legal obligations and no adverse findings for quality of medical care.  With respect to Emergency Room designation versus Urgent Care designation, "medicone," above is correct.  Ambulances may not stop at Urgent Care Centers.  But really there is no reason why TVHD should downgrade its ER.  Our ER meets all State and Federal guidelines for a licensed Emergency room.  Finally, I have been asked by posters above to comment on the TVHD Board election.  And of course, I am limited in what I can say about the election.  The question was "how does the Hospital Board affect the new facility?"  The answer of course is that the Hospital Board ultimately makes all the major decisions for the new facility.  They decide what services are to be provided in the facility.  They decide who the contractor will be.  They decide what equipment is to be purchased.  Staff makes recommendations but the Board makes the ultimate decisions.  This Board election is critical to the ultimate completion of the new facility.   The Board can either push for timely completion of this project or they could cause it be be slowed.  Be sure and find out what the position is of your favorite candidate before you cast your vote.  Thank you again for this opportunity to communicate. <p>A question about the board:&nbsp; Will the board members be disciplinarians to the doctors on staff?&nbsp; The Administration?&nbsp; Who are they accountable to?</p> <p>Thanks!</p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7753 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7753 <p>A question about the board:&nbsp; Will the board members be disciplinarians to the doctors on staff?&nbsp; The Administration?&nbsp; Who are they accountable to?</p> <p>Thanks!</p> medicone:<br /> Why is an extra 30 minutes (or less) such a bad thing, especially with trained EMT's at your side?&nbsp; They certainly have enough equipment to keep you going until you reach a more reputable and able hospital.&nbsp; AND once you get there, you'll be receiving care from those trauma and specialist doctors that Tehachapi admittedly lacks.<br /> I believe that the 30 minutes with trained EMT's, and the ultimate care in a trauma/specialty facility is not a comparison with the alternative--a 10 minute drive, to be greeted by understaffed, overcrowded, antiquated facilities that cannot offer any trauma treatment/specialist treatment, and who will probably after sending the ambulance away, will call the ambulance back to send you to that more qualified hospital anyway...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I just feel sorry for those that have insurance that forces them to undergo this sort of situation.&nbsp; If you choose to go to Tehachapi &quot;ER&quot;, then go for it--but if it's called an Urgent Care Facility, then it's your choice, and not something that is forced on you by bureaucratic rules.&nbsp; To be put through the trauma of the 911 call, the ambulance ride, the drop off and intake at Tehachapi Hospital... only to have to go through it all again simply because the hospital didn't have the facilities in the first place... well, it doesn't seem quite fair.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Personally, I just think it's morally and ethically wrong to advertise something you cannot provide, especially when lives are at stake. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7754 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7754 medicone:<br /> Why is an extra 30 minutes (or less) such a bad thing, especially with trained EMT's at your side?&nbsp; They certainly have enough equipment to keep you going until you reach a more reputable and able hospital.&nbsp; AND once you get there, you'll be receiving care from those trauma and specialist doctors that Tehachapi admittedly lacks.<br /> I believe that the 30 minutes with trained EMT's, and the ultimate care in a trauma/specialty facility is not a comparison with the alternative--a 10 minute drive, to be greeted by understaffed, overcrowded, antiquated facilities that cannot offer any trauma treatment/specialist treatment, and who will probably after sending the ambulance away, will call the ambulance back to send you to that more qualified hospital anyway...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I just feel sorry for those that have insurance that forces them to undergo this sort of situation.&nbsp; If you choose to go to Tehachapi &quot;ER&quot;, then go for it--but if it's called an Urgent Care Facility, then it's your choice, and not something that is forced on you by bureaucratic rules.&nbsp; To be put through the trauma of the 911 call, the ambulance ride, the drop off and intake at Tehachapi Hospital... only to have to go through it all again simply because the hospital didn't have the facilities in the first place... well, it doesn't seem quite fair.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Personally, I just think it's morally and ethically wrong to advertise something you cannot provide, especially when lives are at stake. <p>Answers.&nbsp; The Board of Directors is accountable to the people of Tehachapi (registered voters anyway).&nbsp; They can only be removed from office by a vote of the people (general election or special election) or by voluntary resignation.&nbsp; They are charged with the ultimate level of responsibility meaning that it can possibly fall upon them,&nbsp; to administer disciplinary actions to both medical staff and administration.</p> <p>On the question regarding Emergency Room vs Urgent Care designation.&nbsp; Please consider this.&nbsp; Is a patient in a life threatening situation better off being transported in an ambulance and being sustained by paramedics for the time that it takes to get to Bakersfield, or being treated in a licensed emergency room with a physician, registered nurse, respiratory therapists and other professional personnel, who have all of the equipment, pharmaceuticals and supplies that are mandated and required by law, at their disposal?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; That same patient may need to be transported to a larger hospital once they are stabilized.&nbsp; But in this case they are being treated by a physician in 10 minutes instead of in 40 minutes.&nbsp; By the way, there is only 1 licensed trauma facility in Bakersfield and none in Lancaster.&nbsp; The only licensed trauma hospital is Kern Medical Center.&nbsp; All of the other hospitals in both markets are community hospitals and they too must call specialists to leave their office practices to come into the hospital.&nbsp; So the ER doctor that you see in Bakersfield may not be any better trained than the ER doctor that you see in Tehachapi (it might even be the exact same since some ER doctors work both in Bakersfield and Tehachapi).&nbsp; I respect the opinion of the previous poster.&nbsp; This is just food for thought.</p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7755 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7755 <p>Answers.&nbsp; The Board of Directors is accountable to the people of Tehachapi (registered voters anyway).&nbsp; They can only be removed from office by a vote of the people (general election or special election) or by voluntary resignation.&nbsp; They are charged with the ultimate level of responsibility meaning that it can possibly fall upon them,&nbsp; to administer disciplinary actions to both medical staff and administration.</p> <p>On the question regarding Emergency Room vs Urgent Care designation.&nbsp; Please consider this.&nbsp; Is a patient in a life threatening situation better off being transported in an ambulance and being sustained by paramedics for the time that it takes to get to Bakersfield, or being treated in a licensed emergency room with a physician, registered nurse, respiratory therapists and other professional personnel, who have all of the equipment, pharmaceuticals and supplies that are mandated and required by law, at their disposal?&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; That same patient may need to be transported to a larger hospital once they are stabilized.&nbsp; But in this case they are being treated by a physician in 10 minutes instead of in 40 minutes.&nbsp; By the way, there is only 1 licensed trauma facility in Bakersfield and none in Lancaster.&nbsp; The only licensed trauma hospital is Kern Medical Center.&nbsp; All of the other hospitals in both markets are community hospitals and they too must call specialists to leave their office practices to come into the hospital.&nbsp; So the ER doctor that you see in Bakersfield may not be any better trained than the ER doctor that you see in Tehachapi (it might even be the exact same since some ER doctors work both in Bakersfield and Tehachapi).&nbsp; I respect the opinion of the previous poster.&nbsp; This is just food for thought.</p> I appreciate Mr. Hino's response...<br /> (First, I want to say that I am rather uncomfortable with the foxes guarding the henhouse, with no accountability...&nbsp; we can see with the state of our current school board that the voters don't take the time to recall anyone...&nbsp; but that's another topic.)<br /> <br /> Are you saying that Tehachapi Hospital has exactly the same staff/equipment/services/technicians as do the other local hospitals (with perhaps the exception of KMC)?&nbsp; I doubt that this is true--we are so understaffed and do not have local doctors in house or closeby.&nbsp; The technology of the x-ray/ct/mri/etc., is not comparable to other hospital, trauma center or not.&nbsp; I worked at AV Hospital, and remember when we had auto accident victims, child abuse victims, drug od's, etc., and the specialists were in house usually before the patients arrived at the hospital (this was night shift).&nbsp; We had a huge nursing staff, and lab techs/radiology techs/pharmacy all there, 24/7.&nbsp; (We had far more than the basic minimum requirements of an ER.)&nbsp; I do not think that the current facility nor the upcoming one can compete with this.&nbsp; If, as you say, the same doctor who might see you Bakersfield is the same that might consider you in Tehachapi, then he is local in Bakersfield (as we only have a few doctors here, I can assume that we agree that he would be located off-site from Tehachapi).&nbsp; That doctor would only have to commute a few minutes to arrive at the Bakersfield hospital, vs. driving up the 58 freeway and making his way up the mountain to Tehachapi.<br /> <br /> The patient/nurse and patient/physician ratios are not comparable, either.&nbsp; In Tehachapi, we have understaffing problems across the board--in larger areas, the ratios are well below those madated by law.&nbsp; The specialty nurses and doctors are all but unavailable here.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> You're right--this facility might stabilize a patient before they require a transfer to a more qualified hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp; But why is it that it is &quot;right&quot; that people are forced to make the stop at the &quot;ER&quot; that cannot really help them?&nbsp; If it is accepted that the ER&nbsp;here is only a stopping point, why do we call it an ER?&nbsp; That same patient that might see a doctor in 10 minutes, only to be placed back into an ambulance or helicopter will be cared for by an EMT on the journey.&nbsp; I know how traumatizing it is to be under the care of one doctor, to be transferred to a new doctor, to be moved to a new caregiver, etc... it is very destabilizing and downright scary for the patient (especially if they are elderly or young, or are having serious medical problems).<br /> <br /> I just believe that this ER should not be called an ER, but an Urgent Care.&nbsp; It seems to me a matter of a bottom line for the Hospital, not a matter of patient care.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thanks for taking the time to debate this--I would have never thought it possible, to have an open discussion about these issues. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7757 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7757 I appreciate Mr. Hino's response...<br /> (First, I want to say that I am rather uncomfortable with the foxes guarding the henhouse, with no accountability...&nbsp; we can see with the state of our current school board that the voters don't take the time to recall anyone...&nbsp; but that's another topic.)<br /> <br /> Are you saying that Tehachapi Hospital has exactly the same staff/equipment/services/technicians as do the other local hospitals (with perhaps the exception of KMC)?&nbsp; I doubt that this is true--we are so understaffed and do not have local doctors in house or closeby.&nbsp; The technology of the x-ray/ct/mri/etc., is not comparable to other hospital, trauma center or not.&nbsp; I worked at AV Hospital, and remember when we had auto accident victims, child abuse victims, drug od's, etc., and the specialists were in house usually before the patients arrived at the hospital (this was night shift).&nbsp; We had a huge nursing staff, and lab techs/radiology techs/pharmacy all there, 24/7.&nbsp; (We had far more than the basic minimum requirements of an ER.)&nbsp; I do not think that the current facility nor the upcoming one can compete with this.&nbsp; If, as you say, the same doctor who might see you Bakersfield is the same that might consider you in Tehachapi, then he is local in Bakersfield (as we only have a few doctors here, I can assume that we agree that he would be located off-site from Tehachapi).&nbsp; That doctor would only have to commute a few minutes to arrive at the Bakersfield hospital, vs. driving up the 58 freeway and making his way up the mountain to Tehachapi.<br /> <br /> The patient/nurse and patient/physician ratios are not comparable, either.&nbsp; In Tehachapi, we have understaffing problems across the board--in larger areas, the ratios are well below those madated by law.&nbsp; The specialty nurses and doctors are all but unavailable here.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> You're right--this facility might stabilize a patient before they require a transfer to a more qualified hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp; But why is it that it is &quot;right&quot; that people are forced to make the stop at the &quot;ER&quot; that cannot really help them?&nbsp; If it is accepted that the ER&nbsp;here is only a stopping point, why do we call it an ER?&nbsp; That same patient that might see a doctor in 10 minutes, only to be placed back into an ambulance or helicopter will be cared for by an EMT on the journey.&nbsp; I know how traumatizing it is to be under the care of one doctor, to be transferred to a new doctor, to be moved to a new caregiver, etc... it is very destabilizing and downright scary for the patient (especially if they are elderly or young, or are having serious medical problems).<br /> <br /> I just believe that this ER should not be called an ER, but an Urgent Care.&nbsp; It seems to me a matter of a bottom line for the Hospital, not a matter of patient care.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Thanks for taking the time to debate this--I would have never thought it possible, to have an open discussion about these issues. Why 30 mins with an EMT or Paramedic is not better then going to Tehachapi Hospital? Well lets go back to that guys post above. You are bleeding to death, you only have 20 mins to live, Bakersfield is 45 mins at top speed code 3, EMT's Paramedics don't carry blood in the ambulance. If you stop at Tehachapi 1st you can get that blood for that transport to Bakersfield...That's just one example of why Tehachapi is better then a 45Min drive to town! TPA is a drug that can save your life &quot;IF&quot; given in the 1st hour. Do EMT's have it ? no! Does Tehachapi? yes!&nbsp; We can go on and on. Urgent Care's have blood and TPA no! Get educated before you cry about something!!!!!!!!!! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7759 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7759 Why 30 mins with an EMT or Paramedic is not better then going to Tehachapi Hospital? Well lets go back to that guys post above. You are bleeding to death, you only have 20 mins to live, Bakersfield is 45 mins at top speed code 3, EMT's Paramedics don't carry blood in the ambulance. If you stop at Tehachapi 1st you can get that blood for that transport to Bakersfield...That's just one example of why Tehachapi is better then a 45Min drive to town! TPA is a drug that can save your life &quot;IF&quot; given in the 1st hour. Do EMT's have it ? no! Does Tehachapi? yes!&nbsp; We can go on and on. Urgent Care's have blood and TPA no! Get educated before you cry about something!!!!!!!!!! <font color="#800000">Hey RAY don't respond to anonymous anymore she/he will never be happy with any answers anyone gives her/him. She/he has there mind made up, no one will ever change it, beside if he/she is not there when&nbsp;I need to go it will make my stay better! Go back to AVMC its way worst a hospital then Tehachapi! How many specialist do you think will want to live in this little town? Do you think they will make any money? AVMC is in Lancaster/Palmdale way more people, way more Doctors!</font> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7760 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7760 <font color="#800000">Hey RAY don't respond to anonymous anymore she/he will never be happy with any answers anyone gives her/him. She/he has there mind made up, no one will ever change it, beside if he/she is not there when&nbsp;I need to go it will make my stay better! Go back to AVMC its way worst a hospital then Tehachapi! How many specialist do you think will want to live in this little town? Do you think they will make any money? AVMC is in Lancaster/Palmdale way more people, way more Doctors!</font> Whats more traumatizing driving 1 hour each way to get care or getting care here in town and being home that much sooner? Plus I will be closer to my family.&nbsp; The one person on here is dead set on not liking the hospital. They think they deserve the same care as in a big town hospital. Tehachapi Hospital is not going to be like KMC or AVMC because this town can't support that type of care or the MD's that provide that type of care. I for one am very happy that Tehachapi is not like KMC or AVMC. Whats the wait at KMC these days 4 hours? The longest I have waited at Tehachapi was maybe 10 minutes. I am old and have been at Tehachapi 5 times a year for the last 4 years. Good care, Yes! Best care No! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7764 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7764 Whats more traumatizing driving 1 hour each way to get care or getting care here in town and being home that much sooner? Plus I will be closer to my family.&nbsp; The one person on here is dead set on not liking the hospital. They think they deserve the same care as in a big town hospital. Tehachapi Hospital is not going to be like KMC or AVMC because this town can't support that type of care or the MD's that provide that type of care. I for one am very happy that Tehachapi is not like KMC or AVMC. Whats the wait at KMC these days 4 hours? The longest I have waited at Tehachapi was maybe 10 minutes. I am old and have been at Tehachapi 5 times a year for the last 4 years. Good care, Yes! Best care No! Wow, this town is full of angry people.&nbsp; If you disagree, the people *at least those who are posting here* just yell and call names and tell you to move.&nbsp; No wonder your town of Tehachapi is going nowhere!<br /> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7768 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7768 Wow, this town is full of angry people.&nbsp; If you disagree, the people *at least those who are posting here* just yell and call names and tell you to move.&nbsp; No wonder your town of Tehachapi is going nowhere!<br /> I don't know if this has been addressed yet...<br /> <br /> Thank you, Mr. Hino, for taking the time to respond to all the comments on here, whether good or bad.  It shows that you truly care for the residents and customers in the healthcare district's coverage area.<br /> <br /> If only other leaders in our public safety sector had the courage to respond to sometimes difficult questions.  Not only do you respond in a timely manner, you put thought into ensuring that your answers are respectful, well-stated, honest, and mature.<br /> <br /> Again, thank you sir for caring.<br /> <br /> Have you ever thought about becoming a city manager or fire chief?  <br /> <br /> Other community leaders could learn a lot from the example you're setting.  Keep up the good work! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7769 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7769 I don't know if this has been addressed yet...<br /> <br /> Thank you, Mr. Hino, for taking the time to respond to all the comments on here, whether good or bad.  It shows that you truly care for the residents and customers in the healthcare district's coverage area.<br /> <br /> If only other leaders in our public safety sector had the courage to respond to sometimes difficult questions.  Not only do you respond in a timely manner, you put thought into ensuring that your answers are respectful, well-stated, honest, and mature.<br /> <br /> Again, thank you sir for caring.<br /> <br /> Have you ever thought about becoming a city manager or fire chief?  <br /> <br /> Other community leaders could learn a lot from the example you're setting.  Keep up the good work! Bill- AGREED!&nbsp; I second the motion... ;) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7770 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7770 Bill- AGREED!&nbsp; I second the motion... ;) To Anonymous above: Who is yelling and calling names on this blog? You've obviously never been to other blogs that actually do have those kinds of situations and far worse. I think this is an awesome and productive blog. Mr. Hino is taking some time out of his life to answer some questions and address concerns that people have in this community regarding the hospital. I haven't seen a name thrown or seen anything that would indicate yelling in here, nor do I even see anger. I see some frustration, but that is what a blog is for - to express emotion. We are trying to get answers to be able to make those decisions we need to around voting time so that we can make our community a better place. How else can that get done without some constructive discussion? And how can you sit there and say our town is going &quot;nowhere&quot;? It's going everywhere, and fast! I don't know what you're reading or where your opinion is even coming from, but I think this is a great blog!! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7772 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7772 To Anonymous above: Who is yelling and calling names on this blog? You've obviously never been to other blogs that actually do have those kinds of situations and far worse. I think this is an awesome and productive blog. Mr. Hino is taking some time out of his life to answer some questions and address concerns that people have in this community regarding the hospital. I haven't seen a name thrown or seen anything that would indicate yelling in here, nor do I even see anger. I see some frustration, but that is what a blog is for - to express emotion. We are trying to get answers to be able to make those decisions we need to around voting time so that we can make our community a better place. How else can that get done without some constructive discussion? And how can you sit there and say our town is going &quot;nowhere&quot;? It's going everywhere, and fast! I don't know what you're reading or where your opinion is even coming from, but I think this is a great blog!! Thank you Bill, ChiChiBug, Mimi, Toothy and all of you that have logged on and posted your comments.  I appreciate your kind words.  Staying in touch with the community is extremely tough to do and this blog site is a wonderful tool.  And one last comment to Anonymous, I agree with you that Tehachapi Hospital does not at the present time have all of the same capabilities as larger hospitals in metro areas.  Since they see higher volumes they, of course, have more of everything.  Doctors, nurses and equipment.  My point was to say that Tehachapi Hospital has all of the personnel, equipment and supplies required by the Federal government and State in order to maintain a licensed ER.  And our capabilities greatly exceed the capabilities of urgent care.  When I said that it may be the same doctor that will see you in Bakersfield what I meant is that some Tehachapi Hospital ER doctors also work in Bakersfield.  Almost all of our ER doctors come from outside of our community and most of them work at other hospitals besides Tehachapi (in Bakersfield and larger markets too).  When our ER doctors are on duty, they are not permitted to leave the building.<br /> <br /> I think this is a good opportunity to inform all you who have been involved in this discussion that I will soon be leaving Tehachapi Hospital.  By Monday, October 16, I expect it to become very public that last week I informed the Tehachapi Hospital Board that I have decided to take another CEO position at a larger hospital in our State which offers more services.  In fact it already has the panel of specialists that we need so badly here.  I did not take this decision lightly.  And I did not seek it out.  They came to me and ultimately they made me an offer that is far more than I ever expected.  Although I did not seek out this opportunity, I have thought for some time that perhaps it is becoming time for me to pass the torch of leadership at TVHD to a new CEO.  The hospital is now in far better financial condition then when I came here in 1998 and in the near future, construction will begin on a new (and very badly needed) new hospital.  The disharmony between the hospital and some of the doctors in our community weighs heavily on me.  It is my hope that my replacement will be able to forge improved relationships that ultimately will improve medical care and improve the health system of our community.<br /> <br /> As everyone likely knows, there is a Hospital Board election coming up on November 7.  I would urge everyone that cares about the future of our health care to become as informed as possible.  There will be a candidates forum held at Kelseys on Wednesday , October 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Also, I have been informed that Channel 23 News in Bakersfield has become interested in our Hospital Board election and plans to air a story on the Hospital Board race during the evening news on Monday, October 16.  This will be another great opportunity to become educated on the issues.  In the meantime I will keep checking this blog site and I will keep trying to answer questions so that you all can make the best informed decisions.  Thank you. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7779 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7779 Thank you Bill, ChiChiBug, Mimi, Toothy and all of you that have logged on and posted your comments.  I appreciate your kind words.  Staying in touch with the community is extremely tough to do and this blog site is a wonderful tool.  And one last comment to Anonymous, I agree with you that Tehachapi Hospital does not at the present time have all of the same capabilities as larger hospitals in metro areas.  Since they see higher volumes they, of course, have more of everything.  Doctors, nurses and equipment.  My point was to say that Tehachapi Hospital has all of the personnel, equipment and supplies required by the Federal government and State in order to maintain a licensed ER.  And our capabilities greatly exceed the capabilities of urgent care.  When I said that it may be the same doctor that will see you in Bakersfield what I meant is that some Tehachapi Hospital ER doctors also work in Bakersfield.  Almost all of our ER doctors come from outside of our community and most of them work at other hospitals besides Tehachapi (in Bakersfield and larger markets too).  When our ER doctors are on duty, they are not permitted to leave the building.<br /> <br /> I think this is a good opportunity to inform all you who have been involved in this discussion that I will soon be leaving Tehachapi Hospital.  By Monday, October 16, I expect it to become very public that last week I informed the Tehachapi Hospital Board that I have decided to take another CEO position at a larger hospital in our State which offers more services.  In fact it already has the panel of specialists that we need so badly here.  I did not take this decision lightly.  And I did not seek it out.  They came to me and ultimately they made me an offer that is far more than I ever expected.  Although I did not seek out this opportunity, I have thought for some time that perhaps it is becoming time for me to pass the torch of leadership at TVHD to a new CEO.  The hospital is now in far better financial condition then when I came here in 1998 and in the near future, construction will begin on a new (and very badly needed) new hospital.  The disharmony between the hospital and some of the doctors in our community weighs heavily on me.  It is my hope that my replacement will be able to forge improved relationships that ultimately will improve medical care and improve the health system of our community.<br /> <br /> As everyone likely knows, there is a Hospital Board election coming up on November 7.  I would urge everyone that cares about the future of our health care to become as informed as possible.  There will be a candidates forum held at Kelseys on Wednesday , October 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Also, I have been informed that Channel 23 News in Bakersfield has become interested in our Hospital Board election and plans to air a story on the Hospital Board race during the evening news on Monday, October 16.  This will be another great opportunity to become educated on the issues.  In the meantime I will keep checking this blog site and I will keep trying to answer questions so that you all can make the best informed decisions.  Thank you. <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>October 17, 2006</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>To: Ray Hino, CEO</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Fm: Jim Richards</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Dear Mr. Hino, thanks for participating in the blog forum in the Tehachapi News which I have been following closely. I am sorry to hear you will be leaving us and you will be sorely missed. We need more professionals of your caliber here in Tehachapi.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I am a member of Kaiser Permanente and wonder about the current status of your negotiations with them?</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I would like to relate this horror story to you relating to my current situation with Kaiser.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I am a senior citizen and not capable of the long drive to Bakersfield and must depend on the bus system. The buses run every 2 hours and God help you if you miss one. The bus from Tehachapi to Bakersfield ends at the downtown station on Chester and 21^st. Street.<br /> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>This is truly the “pits” because it is open to all the elements (no roofing) and what few benches that are available are occupied by sleeping drunks and dope addicts. One must simply stand in the open air and avoid eye contact and hope to not get hit on for money or cigarettes more than a dozen times. Once there, one must now wait for the Medical Bus to take you to whatever facility. This wait time is usually another 20 to 30 minutes. At least it’s a free service so I guess I shouldn’t gripe too much.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>After arriving at the Kaiser facility one is usually seen by the doctor very promptly. The exam might last all of 5 or 10 minutes and the reverse grind back to Tehachapi begins anew. It is not possible to gauge the timing exactly so if one misses the bus back it is a 2 hour wait..out in the elements and in possible physical danger. It’s an all day trip in any event. Just for that 5 minute exam.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur and was referred to an outside Cardiologist in Bakersfield. Their testing requirements were such that I would need to see them several times over a short period. This posed a great strain on both my system and resources and I implored them to allow me to see these same Cardiologists who have a satellite office here in Tehachapi within a 5 minute drive of my home. The very same Cardiologists with the very same staff and very same equipment. They told me this was not possible because of “insurance requirements.” I requested, and received, a telephonic hearing with 6 people on the other end representing Kaiser. They would not identify these people to me. After stating all of the above problems to them, I was sent a letter the very next day refusing my request.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I know there are MANY Kaiser members living in Tehachapi who must make this trek to Bakersfield. I moved here 2 years ago from Lancaster and did not have to pay any monthly fee to them because of my Senior Advantage status. In Lancaster they have a nice and modern facility and it was within 10 minutes of my house. However, after moving to Tehachapi I am now charged $40.00 per month for my membership (they cannot or will not explain why this is, other than I am now in Kern County) and must travel 50 miles to get to their facility in Bakersfield and my doctor and lab co-pay fees have tripled!</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Sorry to dump all this on you but perhaps you can shed some light on this for me and others here who are similarly situated? I will also post this on the Blog in the Tehachapi News.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Thanks for your kind attention,</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Jim Richards</strong></div> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7803 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7803 <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>October 17, 2006</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>To: Ray Hino, CEO</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Fm: Jim Richards</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Dear Mr. Hino, thanks for participating in the blog forum in the Tehachapi News which I have been following closely. I am sorry to hear you will be leaving us and you will be sorely missed. We need more professionals of your caliber here in Tehachapi.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I am a member of Kaiser Permanente and wonder about the current status of your negotiations with them?</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I would like to relate this horror story to you relating to my current situation with Kaiser.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I am a senior citizen and not capable of the long drive to Bakersfield and must depend on the bus system. The buses run every 2 hours and God help you if you miss one. The bus from Tehachapi to Bakersfield ends at the downtown station on Chester and 21^st. Street.<br /> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>This is truly the “pits” because it is open to all the elements (no roofing) and what few benches that are available are occupied by sleeping drunks and dope addicts. One must simply stand in the open air and avoid eye contact and hope to not get hit on for money or cigarettes more than a dozen times. Once there, one must now wait for the Medical Bus to take you to whatever facility. This wait time is usually another 20 to 30 minutes. At least it’s a free service so I guess I shouldn’t gripe too much.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>After arriving at the Kaiser facility one is usually seen by the doctor very promptly. The exam might last all of 5 or 10 minutes and the reverse grind back to Tehachapi begins anew. It is not possible to gauge the timing exactly so if one misses the bus back it is a 2 hour wait..out in the elements and in possible physical danger. It’s an all day trip in any event. Just for that 5 minute exam.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur and was referred to an outside Cardiologist in Bakersfield. Their testing requirements were such that I would need to see them several times over a short period. This posed a great strain on both my system and resources and I implored them to allow me to see these same Cardiologists who have a satellite office here in Tehachapi within a 5 minute drive of my home. The very same Cardiologists with the very same staff and very same equipment. They told me this was not possible because of “insurance requirements.” I requested, and received, a telephonic hearing with 6 people on the other end representing Kaiser. They would not identify these people to me. After stating all of the above problems to them, I was sent a letter the very next day refusing my request.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>I know there are MANY Kaiser members living in Tehachapi who must make this trek to Bakersfield. I moved here 2 years ago from Lancaster and did not have to pay any monthly fee to them because of my Senior Advantage status. In Lancaster they have a nice and modern facility and it was within 10 minutes of my house. However, after moving to Tehachapi I am now charged $40.00 per month for my membership (they cannot or will not explain why this is, other than I am now in Kern County) and must travel 50 miles to get to their facility in Bakersfield and my doctor and lab co-pay fees have tripled!</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Sorry to dump all this on you but perhaps you can shed some light on this for me and others here who are similarly situated? I will also post this on the Blog in the Tehachapi News.</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Thanks for your kind attention,</strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong>Jim Richards</strong></div> Hi Jim;<br /> <br /> Thank you for your question.&nbsp; I have been hearing stories like yours for years and it has been only recently that we have received some encouraging news from Kaiser.&nbsp; On August 7, 2006 we signed a very small agreement with Kaiser for very limited services that, unfortunately, will not help you in your situation.&nbsp; But it is a start.&nbsp; The agreement of August 7 allows Kaiser home health nurses to bring laboratory specimens (blood, etc) to the laboratory at Tehachapi Hospital for processing.&nbsp; When we entered into the agreement, we did it with the understanding that Kaiser is interested in having a presence in Tehachapi and this would be the beginning.&nbsp; I have been told that Kaiser officials would like to have a doctor up here and a contract with the hospital.&nbsp; My hope has always been that we would have the contract in time to use the new hospital in Tehachapi (scheduled to open in 2008) but if we could get the contract sooner that would be even better.&nbsp; If you would like to nudge Kaiser along a good person to talk to would be Bob Lund at 661-864-3308.&nbsp; He is the Area Manager for Kaiser in Bakersfield.&nbsp; I hope that this helps Jim.&nbsp; I will encourage the TVHD Board and management staff to continue working towards an agreement with Kaiser. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7807 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7807 Hi Jim;<br /> <br /> Thank you for your question.&nbsp; I have been hearing stories like yours for years and it has been only recently that we have received some encouraging news from Kaiser.&nbsp; On August 7, 2006 we signed a very small agreement with Kaiser for very limited services that, unfortunately, will not help you in your situation.&nbsp; But it is a start.&nbsp; The agreement of August 7 allows Kaiser home health nurses to bring laboratory specimens (blood, etc) to the laboratory at Tehachapi Hospital for processing.&nbsp; When we entered into the agreement, we did it with the understanding that Kaiser is interested in having a presence in Tehachapi and this would be the beginning.&nbsp; I have been told that Kaiser officials would like to have a doctor up here and a contract with the hospital.&nbsp; My hope has always been that we would have the contract in time to use the new hospital in Tehachapi (scheduled to open in 2008) but if we could get the contract sooner that would be even better.&nbsp; If you would like to nudge Kaiser along a good person to talk to would be Bob Lund at 661-864-3308.&nbsp; He is the Area Manager for Kaiser in Bakersfield.&nbsp; I hope that this helps Jim.&nbsp; I will encourage the TVHD Board and management staff to continue working towards an agreement with Kaiser. <strong>Thanks for being so patient with me, Mr. Hino. I did not realize how LONG this blog had become and it was a simple matter to click on Page #2 to continue with it. I appreciate your further comments but am not sure exactly what you mean by &quot;Kaiser Home health nurses being able to bring in blood, etc. to the Tehachapi Hospital lab for processing?&quot;<br /> <br /> I have to have annual blood work done to check on my cholesterol levels as well as liver function, etc. Does this mean I can call Kaiser and have a nurse come to my house to draw the blood and they will take it to Tehachapi Hospital for processing? That would be a GREAT service since I always have to be fasting and by the time I get to the Kaiser lab in Bakersfield I am DYEING for a cup of coffee and breakfast.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I will certainly contact Mr. Lund and do whatever I can on this end to bring Kaiser further into the Tehachapi fold.<br /> <br /> Jim Richards</strong> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7824 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/Toothy/644/#c_7824 <strong>Thanks for being so patient with me, Mr. Hino. I did not realize how LONG this blog had become and it was a simple matter to click on Page #2 to continue with it. I appreciate your further comments but am not sure exactly what you mean by &quot;Kaiser Home health nurses being able to bring in blood, etc. to the Tehachapi Hospital lab for processing?&quot;<br /> <br /> I have to have annual blood work done to check on my cholesterol levels as well as liver function, etc. Does this mean I can call Kaiser and have a nurse come to my house to draw the blood and they will take it to Tehachapi Hospital for processing? That would be a GREAT service since I always have to be fasting and by the time I get to the Kaiser lab in Bakersfield I am DYEING for a cup of coffee and breakfast.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I will certainly contact Mr. Lund and do whatever I can on this end to bring Kaiser further into the Tehachapi fold.<br /> <br /> Jim Richards</strong>