Marin Health Fund Website

Post Office Box 5402
Mill Valley, CA 94942
Call: 415-522-9955
Fax: 415-435-5440
Email: mhf1982@well.com



Marin Health Fund
Website
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Voters overwhelmingly oppose renewal of Sutter Health's lease and call for return of hospital to District control

The Marin Health Fund will present results of an opinion survey about the future of Marin General Hospital at the Marin Healthcare District Board's public meeting.

For a copy of the report go to: Survey on the Future of Marin General Hospital

The survey was launched June 13 and closed at 8 am on July 10, two days before the Lewin group releases its strategic report on the future management of MGH to the Marin Healthcare District Board. The District Board is the governing body responsible for awarding operational control of MGH to Sutter Health, which has leased the hospital since 1995. Results from the Marin Health Fund survey show that residents wish to end the relationship between Sutter and the hospital.

Over 8,000 District voters were sent email invitations to complete the survey, and data was gathered from 807 participants. Respondents answered questions regarding hospital ownership, quality of patient care, and evaluations of the proposed lease renewal to Sutter Health. Upon starting the survey, only 35% knew that the hospital is publicly owned, indicating the urgent need for a public education program of the District's purpose, goal and programs.

62% of all participants reported that the District should respond to ongoing quality of care violations at MGH by arranging its own financing and moving ahead with making the hospital earthquake proof. The same amount urged the District to retain qualified professionals to manage MGH rather than accept Sutter's demand for a new lease. These results demonstrate overwhelming dissatisfaction with Sutter's management of the largest hospital in Marin County.

MGH patients were significantly more likely to report poor care than those treated at other hospitals. This is consistent with findings for the last several years from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services that quality of care at MGH is seriously compromised. Concerns about quality of care, patient safety, and the balance between quality and cost are driving Marin opinions.

For a copy of the report go to: Survey on the Future of Marin General Hospital

We urge everyone to attend the meeting tonight at Marin General Hospital, 7 PM. If you are unable to attend, call the District office and let them know what you think they should do: 415-461-5700. Or, send email to: mhcd@pacbell.net.