September 4, 2000
DC General Hospital (continued)
In an emergency, won't the extra distance between DC General and the other hospitals – most of which are in Northwest – make a critical difference in survival?
Our emergency response teams are trained and equipped to begin critical life saving care as soon as they arrive on scene–long before a patient arrives at a trauma center. In addition, helicopter transport also aids in decreasing transport time for the most critically ill. Currently, Children's Hospital is the only Level I trauma center for children in the whole metropolitan region. Children from the outer suburbs in Virginia and Maryland are regularly transported to the facility, where resources are focused and care is exemplary. With five remaining Level I trauma centers in the city, our adult population will continue to be served well. The city is committed to building on this model.
If I live in Southeast, where will I go with a broken leg? Asthma attack? Cut hand? Chest pains? Diabetes–related emergency?
People with non–life threatening conditions will still be treated at the Community Access Hospital on the current DC General campus. These patients will also have access to the primary and specialty clinics at the medical center as well as the city's network of community–based clinics.
What about patients who would be admitted to DC General. Where will they go under the new proposal?
There will be no changes at the hospital until this question is fully answered. Two hospitals have already stepped forward to say they want to provide inpatient care to this population. Under the Mayor's leadership, the city is working with them and other hospitals to assure that they can provide DC General patients first–rate medical care.
How can the city ensure that uninsured people will really be welcomed at other hospitals – even if a contract is in place?
These contracts will stipulate service standards that must be met, including providing a welcoming environment for all patients regardless of insurance status. The results of the care patients receive are evaluated will be continuously improved. Additionally, the Health Department is working with the PBC Board to institute an effective system for following up on patient concerns, complaints and recommendations.
