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Local funeral director urges Ridgecrest council to press for better health care access
Summary
A Ridgecrest funeral director told the council the community lacks adequate local health care and urged elected leaders to press for answers from the hospital. Council members highlighted recent staff-wellness awards at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital and noted ongoing staffing and reimbursement challenges.
Ridgecrest — Justin Dunn, a local funeral director, urged the City Council on Wednesday to investigate local health-care access and to press Ridgecrest Regional Hospital for answers after telling councillors that many elderly residents are being transferred out of town for care.
"We don't have health care. We don't have a city. We can't take care of our citizens," Dunn said during the public comment period, adding that many families he serves travel to Lancaster, Palmdale and Bakersfield for appointments. "More than ever I hear that they're gonna be leaving when they retire. Why? Because they don't have any health care." He asked the council to join him in asking questions of hospital leadership.
Councilmember Roger Ratnam acknowledged Dunn's concerns and highlighted recent recognition for Ridgecrest Regional Hospital. "The hospital won its second consecutive Joy in Medicine award for its commitment to improving professional satisfaction and reducing staff burnout," Ratnam said, citing an American Medical Association well-being survey that the council was told showed physician satisfaction at 90 percent (up from 74 percent) and burnout falling from 19 percent to 10 percent versus a national average of 43 percent. Ratnam and other council members noted staffing shortages and medical reimbursement challenges as factors that limit local services.
City staff and the council did not announce new city actions at the meeting; instead, members encouraged continued dialogue and said staff would follow up where appropriate. Several speakers and council members said they want the city to seek more information and to coordinate with regional partners to address access and staffing.
Dunn's comments were part of a broader public-comment segment that included other concerns and routine questions about city sports and community events.
