Public speakers press supervisors for safety reforms and clarity after Laguna Honda death

At a hearing on Laguna Honda Hospital policy and patient safety, public commenters urged supervisors to investigate whether administrative changes have displaced frail elderly patients and whether the hospital followed state standards in responding to an accidental death.

Patrick Monet Shaw, who identified himself as a patient advocate, expressed condolences to the family of an 82‑year‑old woman who fell to her death at Laguna Honda and said he obtained a state citation via public records that raised concerns about irregularities. He offered nine specific recommendations, including checking alarm batteries, revising medication and 1‑on‑1 supervision policies, auditing discharge care plans for residents with dementia (citing Title 22 requirements), issuing guidance on the use of sitters, auditing targeted case management discharges, seeking a midyear supplemental budget to hire sitters and falls‑risk staff, and expediting decisions on a proposed west tower for the Laguna Honda replacement project and assisted‑living projects on campus.

Francisco DeCosta, presenting a historical perspective, said recent administrative changes have weakened care for the elderly and described state certification reports he reviewed as “despicable.” Mara Kopp of the Good Government Alliance warned that psychiatric and homeless populations could be given priority over frail residents, said public notification has been inadequate, and cautioned that major architectural choices could fix the facility’s future use in ways that make it harder to serve frail, locked‑unit dementia patients.

Several commenters urged quick board action on construction and program decisions. Douglas Yap, who said he has worked at San Francisco General Hospital for 17 years, cited two media items and a critical April 2006 state study and urged broader audits of the Department of Public Health. A translated commenter (identified as Linda, with translator Richard) emphasized staff vigilance and patient safety after the fall.

Chair Sean Ellsburn noted that the item’s sponsor, identified in the record as Supervisor Ju, was on vacation and that Laguna Honda leadership (John Keneally) and a Health Commission member (Jim Illing) were present. With public comment concluded and no formal action adopted, the committee agreed to continue Item 3 to the call of the chair so the sponsor can attend and the committee can schedule follow‑up.

The hearing record includes multiple concrete requests for audits, staffing and budget changes, and expedited hearings about the hospital’s replacement project; committee staff and members indicated they will coordinate scheduling to allow the sponsor’s participation and bring the matter back for further action.