During a recent government meeting, officials from the Ventura County Health Care Agency presented an overview of proposed changes at Santa Paula Hospital, highlighting both current operations and future plans. Barry Zimmerman, the director of the agency, and Dr. John Fankhauser, CEO of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital, led the discussion.

Dr. Fankhauser emphasized the hospital's commitment to inclusivity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, and provided insights into the hospital's operational challenges. He noted that while the emergency room is experiencing increased usage, the number of births at Santa Paula Hospital has significantly declined, with only about ten deliveries per month this year. This trend has prompted discussions about transferring obstetric services to VCMC to better utilize resources and improve patient care.

The presentation included data showing a steady daily census of approximately 12 patients, with surgical cases increasing over the past two years. However, the hospital's obstetric services have struggled, despite efforts to enhance facilities and community outreach. Dr. Fankhauser mentioned that many expectant mothers are opting for deliveries at larger hospitals in the region, leading to a proposal to relocate obstetric services to VCMC.

Financially, Santa Paula Hospital is facing significant losses, projected at $16 million annually, prompting the need for a strategic shift. The proposed changes aim to reduce losses by reallocating resources to more in-demand services, such as surgery and imaging, while maintaining essential care for the community.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing \"Harvest Medical Pavilion\" project, which includes plans for a new hospital building to meet seismic compliance requirements. This project is seen as crucial for the future of healthcare in the region, with hopes that improved facilities will attract more patients.

Public comments during the meeting raised concerns about transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process. Community member Cynthia Salas emphasized the importance of including local voices in discussions about healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations in Santa Paula and surrounding areas.

As the meeting concluded, officials reiterated their commitment to providing quality healthcare and adapting services to meet the evolving needs of the community, while also navigating the financial challenges facing rural hospitals.