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Following six hours of testimony by health care providers and community advocates, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday night to designate Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) as a “Level II Trauma Center” for West Ventura County.
The vote came after two years of review and analysis, and after SEIU 721 members made calls to Supervisors, wrote letters of support and sent emails on behalf of the trauma designation for VCMC.
Ventura County residents and visitors will now have improved trauma care resources available to them. Until now, Ventura County was only one of two California counties that did not have this level of trauma care, and patients needing higher levels of care had to be transported to hospitals in Los Angeles or Santa Barbara County.
Several SEIU 721 members testified Tuesday night on behalf of VCMC.
“I think it is very critical that the second trauma center be located at a public hospital and as a Fillmore resident, I trust the commitment that VCMC has in my community. They reopened the Santa Paula hospital and have opened clinics in Fillmore, Piru and other underserved areas.” AC Carbajal, SEIU 721 member shared at the meeting.
“I think it’s important to not delay this trauma center any longer; we already
serve as the County’s de facto trauma center. It’s time to make it official.” Stella Batey, VCMC Nursing Assistant and SEIU 721 member shared with the Supervisors.
The Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 in support of the designation. VCMC’s new trauma center will open on July 12, 2010.
Click here to read more. (link to full story in the Ventura County Star)