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Public commenter raises Huntington Hospital discharge concerns; commission asks fire department to invite hospital representatives
Summary
A resident detailed alleged inhumane treatment and releases in soiled clothing at Huntington Hospital; commissioners referenced SB 1152 and unanimously asked the fire department to invite hospitals the city uses for patient transport to present on their emergency-discharge services and supports.
During public comment at the Jan. 27 meeting, resident Yvonne LaRose urged the commission to prepare for ICE activity and later raised concerns about how some people brought to Huntington Hospital are treated and released.
LaRose described people being returned to the street in soiled clothes and urged the commission to “appeal to Huntington to be more humane, use more humanitarian measures” and suggested collecting donation resources and posting them on the city website.
A commissioner who said they had been treated differently as an insured patient described witnessing another person left hungry and in rags and supported further inquiry. Commissioner (Speaker 9) noted that SB 1152 requires, in certain circumstances, that emergency departments and hospitals provide clothing and food to people experiencing homelessness before discharge and said the commission could request presentations from hospitals rather than lodge a complaint.
Commissioner (Speaker 9) moved that the commission request the fire department invite representatives from hospitals to which the city transports patients to make presentations about the services they provide. The motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous roll call.
The commission and staff discussed bringing representatives from Huntington Hospital, Arcadia, Alhambra, LA County USC and other local centers to explain discharge practices, available social supports and how the hospitals and fire department coordinate patient transitions. Commissioners said such presentations could deepen engagement, clarify responsibilities, and help the community understand available services.
Next steps: the fire department will be asked to facilitate invitations to local hospitals and report back to the commission with proposed presenters and scheduling.
