San Francisco consolidates financial roles to improve Laguna Honda oversight

In a recent government meeting held at San Francisco County, officials addressed significant changes in the financial management of Laguna Honda Hospital, a facility known for its care of vulnerable populations. The discussion revealed a shift in strategy aimed at enhancing oversight and accountability within the hospital's financial operations.

The meeting highlighted the elimination of the finance director and controller positions at Laguna Honda, which had previously been consolidated with those at San Francisco General Hospital. This decision, however, led to the realization that Laguna Honda required a dedicated financial presence to manage its unique needs effectively. As a result, the county has now allocated funds for a new finance director position specifically for Laguna Honda, along with a senior financial analyst to support the management of financial activities. These roles are part of a broader effort to ensure that the hospital's financial transactions receive the necessary oversight and controls.

The interim CFO, Cha Yuma, and Laguna Honda's executive administrator, Miva Karosi, were present to answer questions and provide further insights into the hospital's financial restructuring. The officials expressed concern over the public's perception of the hospital following these changes, particularly regarding the impact on donations and community support.

Public comments during the meeting brought to light serious concerns from former staff members about the hospital's financial practices. Dr. Maria Rivera, a former attending physician, recounted instances where patient programs were cut due to alleged financial constraints, while funds were reportedly used for staff events. Her testimony underscored a growing frustration among former employees regarding transparency and accountability in the hospital's financial dealings.

As the meeting concluded, the officials acknowledged the importance of addressing these concerns and committed to improving the financial management of Laguna Honda. The discussions reflect a critical moment for the hospital as it seeks to rebuild trust with the community and ensure that patient care remains the top priority. The future of Laguna Honda now hinges on the successful implementation of these new financial roles and the ongoing dialogue with both staff and the public.