Santa Clara Co. Takes Over Hospitals Friday

GILROY, CA -- It's official.

After a legal tug-of-war with the state, Santa Clara County is prepared to assume responsibility for the operation of St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy, De Paul Health Center in Morgan Hill and O'Connor Hospital in San Jose effective March 1. The takeover will assign the three medical facilities to the county's Santa Clara Health System.

“We are excited to bring these community hospitals into our health system, as we expand and enhance the high-quality care that so many Santa Clara County residents have come to rely on,” County Executive Jeffrey V. Smith said. “Our new partners share our mission, values and passion to serve. We expect O’Connor and St. Louise hospitals and De Paul Health Center to continue the phenomenal work they have already been doing in their communities.”

It's almost as if the county took a collective sigh of relief after going around and around this California Attorney General Xavier Beccera over whether the local government should or could run the facilities at state standards. The legal battle ensued when former parent company, Verity Health Systems, went into bankruptcy last summer.

The uncertainty represented a scary notion for advocates of the county, who became activists in the streets at rallies in support of keeping the state from closing down the facilities. In particular, St. Louise maintained a responsibility of catering to an isolated community as the only game in town.

“This acquisition is truly a win-win for the community. It prevents the closure of two critically important hospitals and ensures continued access to medical services for those who need it, regardless of ability to pay,” said Joe Simitian, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.