This letter was contributed by Bill Johnson, President of the Health Care District Board. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Letter to the Editor
BenitoLink
By Bill Johnson
On This, We Can Agree
At last week’s San Benito Health Care District Board meeting, the Board heard from California Nurses Association (CNA) representatives—dedicated professionals who provide care at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. Their message was clear: as we finalize agreements with Insight Health for the Hospital’s lease and eventual ownership, key considerations must be included to protect patient care and staff.
On this, we agree.
For months, our Board Members, staff, and expert consultants have worked to ensure that the Hospital’s future will be safeguarded through a set of covenants and operating agreements. These agreements are meant to safeguard our community by holding Insight to certain obligations. The nurses’ concerns—protecting service lines, ensuring proper staffing, establishing community oversight, and maintaining indigent care funds—are priorities that the Board shares.
The process to find either a suitable partner or buyer has been ongoing for nearly three years. I understand the weight of these decisions and the responsibility before us. At stake is the future of healthcare in San Benito County—ensuring that lifesaving care remains accessible, that patients can receive lab work or other elective procedures right here at home, without the burden of traveling an hour or more for essential medical services.
In an ideal world, the Hospital could continue operating independently. But the financial reality of rural healthcare in California and across the country no longer makes that possible. We cannot afford to gamble on “what-ifs” while the Hospital’s financial challenges remain. Partnering with Insight Health is a viable path forward, and before the Board considers finalizing any agreements the community will have the opportunity to review them and provide input.
I welcome that discussion and remain committed to ensuring a strong future for healthcare in our community.
Bill Johnson
BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues.