September 4, 2000
DC General Hospital (continued)
If it's going to cost the city money to send people to other hospitals, why not just invest in DC General?
The uninsured and medically vulnerable will have access to excellent hospitals in our city. We must focus on preventive care and "medical homes" – health care facilities in communities where families can go regularly to a family doctor committed to treating conditions so that they never become serious. Limited public dollars should be spent on neighborhood–based services. The city will spend less on administration and overhead and more on direct care.
What do the changes at DC General mean for the bigger health care system in the city?
Changes occurring at DCGH are part of a larger effort that the Mayor has undertaken to completely reform our health care delivery system. The ultimate goal is to provide a quality, community–based, comprehensive system of care for all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Towards this goal, the city will refurbish existing clinics and build new ones in underserved areas. The Mayor also remains committed to expanding health insurance coverage so that more District residents will have the dignity of choosing where they go for health care. Regardless of where they live, income, or cultural background, every District resident deserves to have health insurance.
Who will manage this transition to a new facility?
The city already has a comprehensive contingency plan underway. Officials from the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services, Employment Services, Emergency Management Agency have been meeting for weeks to develop an orderly plan for the transition to a DC Community Access Hospital. The city is also working with transportation officials to assess whether the transition will require changes in public transportation services. An important part of the contingency plan addresses issues related to displaced employees. Outplacement services will be a major focus of the government's efforts.
