El Centro City Council approves hospital transfer
Karina Bazarte
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The El Centro City Council formally voted to approve an affiliation and transfer agreement with the Imperial Valley Healthcare District.
The vote happened Monday night in a special city council meeting.
One local, Isabel Solis, is in favor of the merger of the two hospitals, saying it will help save lives.
“As an educator, I am starting my 32nd year as a teacher. I have seen so many children who had to be airlifted or have to travel all the way outside of our community to get services so the hope hopefully is that when we unite these hospitals there will be pediatric services for our children,” said Solis.
The terms were set on March 11. The council was ready for the transfer on July, first but it was postponed as they were still finalizing the legal documents.
“Delays were necessary to make sure the due diligence was completed. It’s unfortunate, but we are here today…to move forward with a much stronger healthcare distinct for the whole county,” said Robert Sawyer, El Centro City Manager.
We reached out to the healthcare district for an interview, but they provided a statement instead.
“The Imperial Valley Healthcare District lays the foundation for a united, integrated healthcare system and improved, more sustainable, and expanded health services for the residents of the Imperial Valley.
Creating one united, integrated healthcare system provides a foundation for improved, sustainable, and expanded health services for our residents.”
We also reached out to the El Centro City Council for comment, but we are still waiting to hear back.