Re: "Loss of hospital is a big deal" [Letter, Village News, 10/30/14]

This community is in the process of a transition from a hospital to a community health center and, yes, it is a big deal.

Fallbrook Healthcare District is acutely aware of the effects this difficult transition has upon the community and is coordinating efforts with multiple governmental, non-profit, regulatory, and healthcare entities to ensure that concerns are represented and addressed.

Since our decision to establish a JPA with Palomar and Tri-City, multiple subject matter experts have been meeting frequently to facilitate transition of services. Chief among those discussions is assisting employees in transition to new employment and extending certain present operations in a limited fashion to facilitate that transition.

• A job fair for existing hospital employees will be Nov. 5 and 6, with multiple medical entities offering applications for employment.

• Current operator (FHC) has agreed to provide urgent care services, for an additional month (at their expense), until Dec. 20, to allow sufficient preparation for the new operator.

• Palomar and Tri City are taking steps to ensure that home health and hospice, occupational and physical therapy, imaging, laboratory, and skilled nursing services will still be available locally.

• The district has coordinated efforts with North County Fire to ensure emergency patients can be rapidly transported to alternative destinations.

• The district has reached a tentative settlement with the current operator that will indemnify the district; preserving ongoing funding to support this community’s future healthcare needs.

The district will continue to inform the community as details are defined and confirmed.

Stephen Abbott

President

Fallbrook Healthcare District