Hospital’s Decision to Turn Away Pregnant Women

Re “Hospital Turn-Away Plan Irks Legislators’ (June 8):

I have a difficult time not being irked at our “irked legislators.” Again they are playing innocent and acting like this problem is a new one that just sprung up. The immediate problem of overcrowded obstetrics facilities is a symptom of the underlying problem of non-existent funding for part of our population. If they are not aware of that, they have themselves to blame.

I believe UCI Medical Center’s decision is unfortunate, but I offer them my support if it gets the attention of our legislators and the rest of the Orange County population. I’m certain it was not taken lightly nor precipitously.

The Times said in a recent editorial that the Legislature should not expect physicians and hospitals to shoulder the entire financial burden of indigent medical care. One can see the outcome when a single facility is overwhelmed physically and financially as we now see with the medical center. To say that UCI Medical Center has mishandled its current problem will only mask the bigger problem, and many will miss the message.

While the legislators are “irked,” I remain angry that hospitals in Orange County provided $229 million in uncompensated care during 1988. Our elected officials pay lip service to the problem while the county blames the state and vice-versa. Maybe the medical center is irresponsible, but so is the Orange County supervisor who stated in public that hospitals were required to take in all patients, so why should the county grant more monies.

UCI Medical Center appears to be “mad as hell and not willing to take in anymore.” I share its frustration even if I don’t completely agree with the strategy.

CRAIG G. MYERS

Administrator/Chief Executive Officer

Coastal Communities Hospital

Santa Ana