Laguna Honda Committee reviews hospital reports and shifts housing project design

In a recent meeting of the Laguna Honda Hospital Joint Conference Committee (JCC), key updates regarding the hospital's operations and future projects were discussed, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges. The meeting, held on June 9, 2025, focused on the hospital's recovery efforts post-recertification and the development of a new housing project on the campus.

Commissioner Guillermo opened the session with a report detailing the hospital's return to normalcy, emphasizing the importance of focusing on both residents and staff. A notable initiative included a wellness day for staff, alongside the introduction of three goats to the hospital's therapeutic farm, which sparked a naming contest among the community.

The committee reported a recent increase in admissions, attributed to the influx of former residents from the recently closed St. Anne's nursing home. In May, the hospital admitted 39 new residents, with similar numbers in the preceding months. The goal remains to achieve full capacity by the end of the year, although there is still uncertainty regarding a waiver request for 120 additional beds.

A significant topic of discussion was the housing project planned for the Laguna Honda campus. Changes to the design were announced, shifting from a circular to a rectangular building due to state funding limitations. While the number of housing units has decreased slightly, the overall impact on the project is expected to be minimal. Drafts of the new building design are set to be presented at the next JCC meeting in July. Funding for the first phase of the project is anticipated to come from low-income tax credits, although concerns about securing adequate funding for subsequent phases remain.

Public comment during the meeting raised critical questions about the housing project, particularly regarding the potential reduction in units and the need for child care facilities. A community member expressed frustration over the lack of surveys conducted to assess employee needs for child care, suggesting that the inclusion of such facilities may not be based on actual demand. The commenter urged the commission to reconsider the focus on child care in favor of more pressing needs, such as adult day healthcare services.

In summary, the Laguna Honda Hospital JCC meeting underscored the hospital's ongoing recovery efforts and the complexities surrounding the housing project. As the committee moves forward, addressing community concerns and ensuring adequate support for both residents and staff will be crucial in shaping the future of Laguna Honda Hospital.