Exposing, Addressing King/Drew’s Problems

Re “County Health Chief Is Rebuked” and “Pandering at Patients’ Expense,” editorial, April 13: I am amazed at the negative reaction to The Times’ reports of medical malfeasance at King/Drew Medical Center. I am dumbfounded at the suggestions from people in the community and elected officials like Mayor James K. Hahn that the substandard care at the hospital is no worse than any other hospital, it just receives more scrutiny. Keep reporting this story. The Times’ exposure of these abuses is saving lives. Many people will choose care at other facilities, and patients’ family members will pay closer attention to the care provided to patients at King/Drew. Congratulations on the Pulitzer.

Susan Powers

Altadena

*

I have a suggestion for Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite Burke’s statement -- “That hospital will be closed over my dead body” -- on the troubled King/Drew Medical Center. Let her stay there for a week and her body will be dead and they can then close this miserable example of a hospital.

Bob Launius

Oxnard

*

It is the same inept bureaucratic games with the Board of Supervisors and the Department of Health Services administration. Before they determine which systems in place are not working, they concoct new ones. Hire outside intensive-care doctors to monitor patients. Use expert nurses as foot patrols. Require the presence of a senior physician when doctor trainees are performing diagnostic tests or invasive procedures. Realistically, it might or might not be possible to carry out these patchwork procedures.

No mention is made of what failed in causing so many deaths and injuries to patients. Something went wrong, very wrong. They need to review their systems. Determine what is not working or what procedures are not being followed and have the courage to confront and discipline those who are responsible, regardless of race. Supervisors and administrators don’t think it politically expedient to confront minorities. They put on a show at board meetings but do little confronting otherwise.

Gaston Serrato

Rowland Heights

*

Thank you for your continued coverage of the King/Drew Medical Center problem. You have the guts to say it like it is. Now if only those in power also had the same courage, the problem would begin to be fixed. Please do not cease to publish articles on this. It’s a long-term, deeply rooted problem, and media coverage is one part of the solution.

Akemi Kayleng Knight

Los Angeles