By TR Robertson
The Vista Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee’s December meeting heard a presentation from Tri-City Medical Center’s CEO, Dr. Gene Ma, explaining the proposed connection with Sharp Medical. Dr. Ma explained that what has been desperately needed is a shift in how Tri-City Medical delivers health care in North County. He said not long ago, 1 in 5 hospitals in California were considered in distress. Although Tri-City is currently $34 million in the black for this year, he said major changes are needed to bring the hospital up to the standards they want for this area. The population growth in North County is the largest in San Diego County, especially among seniors across the various communities. Dr. Ma said that the image of Tri-City has become somewhat tarnished over the years, but this is slowly changing with improvements, such as the changes underway to the emergency room lobby and check-in area. He said they needed to partner with a corporation connection that would take the financial responsibility the hospital has as well as investing in the improvements the hospital invasions for their future.
UCSD was explored as a potential partner, but it was decided that what they would provide did not meet the needs of Tri-City Medical. In stepped Sharp Medical with a highly successful record in East County San Diego. It is the feeling from the various community workshops that have been held and other meetings that Sharp answers all of the questions Tri-City Medical had. Some 50 speakers took part in the five community engagement meetings. Dr. Ma was enthusiastic in his support of Sharp and the future collaboration with Tri-City Medical. He pointed out a number of areas they want to focus on in the coming years. These include taking a look at the number of empty buildings around the Tri-City Medical area and using these buildings to expand a number of facilities, such as cancer care.
Other concerns include bringing back a labor and delivery unit, perhaps by bringing a facility like Mary Birch into North County. The hospital also hopes to continue the building of OBGYN practices by sometime in 2026. He pointed out that the Tri-City Stroke and Heart Attack Center is one of the standout medical services the hospital currently provides. Sharps $195 million dollar investment will go a long way in helping with some of these issues.
The final vote for approval with the Sharp proposal is coming next Wednesday. It is hoped that by June 2nd a community vote in the hospital district of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista will guarantee final approval. Also, the Office of Health Care and Affordability must give approval. All current employees of Tri-City Medical will be kept. The Tri-City Foundation will also remain the same as they continue to fundraise and provide equipment and other programs, such as financing the improvements to the emergency waiting room area. Also in attendance at the Government Affairs Committee meeting was Ryan Purdy, MHA, Regional Director – Community Relations. Ryan voiced the positive feeling Sharp has in partnering with Tri-City Medical. He said at Sharp no one does community-based care better than Sharp. Go to www.sharp.com/tricity for more information.
Governmental Updates
Salome Tash from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office – Not a lot of changes since the end of the government shutdown as Congress will be on break until January. Off-shore drilling was discussed at a joint meeting with other members of various legislatures.
From State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Office – A joint meeting will be held on Thursday, December 11th concerning the Tijuana River Valley issues.
Graydon McDermott from Assembly Member Laurie Davies Office – The legislature is currently not in session. For information on the grant writing workshop go the Assembly Members web site at www.ad74.asmrc.org .
Angie Baggett from the City of Vista –
At the Dec. 9th City Council meeting – The appointment of a Deputy Mayor, Appointments to outside agencies, the Parks & Rec Master Plan final draft presentation, a request to endorse the Southern California Coast & Ocean Protection Act and the recognition of Economic Director Larry Vaupel’s retirement and making the position a manager position.
Dec. 5th – Moonlight’s Jingle Terrace begins; Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum’s Holiday Lights begin.
Dec. 7th – Vista Historical Society’s Holiday Festival and VUSD School Performances and Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of Cinepolis.
Dec. 13th – Rancho Christmas at Rancho Guajome Adobe and Dark X-mas Market in Downtown Vista.
Dec. 19th – Cowboy Christmas in Downtown Vista
Jan. 6th – Margaret Hamer starts as the new Recreation and Community Services Director
Rachel Beld – CEO Vista Chamber of Commerce – 1 PM – Saturday Dec. 6th is the Vista Holiday Parade in Downtown Vista and Rancho Buena Vista’s Band Director Eric Weirather (director for 25 years) along with 90 parade entries.
January 26th will be the State of the City address at the Civic Center.
Vista Tasting Room Wayfinding Signage Program design concepts were passed out indicating proposed locations to direct individuals to tasting rooms for beer, wine, spirits and other beverages.
