If there’s one thing, we all know, it’s that taking care of our poor and indigent is the right thing to do. Laguna Honda Hospital, which operates as a skilled nursing facility, is being threatened to be shut down by federal officials due to the lack of inspections, which resulted in two nonfatal drug overdoses at the hospital.  

In 1866, Laguna Honda Hospital opened its doors to assist with the city's overwhelming need for more skilled nursing facilities. Currently, Laguna Honda has over 600 residents who must be moved out for the site to be recertified to operate. However, there are concerns that the patients who live there are too vulnerable and weak to be moved. Patient transfers were halted when four of the 57 people who moved to other facilities died shortly after. As a result, the extensions, transfers, and discharges will remain paused, although a deadline of September 13 was given.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) stated that she is “relieved” that the federal, state, and city governments are working together.

As a community, we must ensure that regardless of socioeconomic status, people living in nursing homes have access to high-quality services and support. Laguna Honda continues to provide high-quality critical care services for over 600 residents, and with the assistance of an appointed onsite facilitator, as of July 26, 2022, the site will remain open.

References

Ferrannini, J. (2022, August 16). Laguna Honda hospital to remain open until November. KRON4. https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/laguna-honda-hospital-to-remain-open-until-november/

Madrigal, A. (n.d.). Laguna Honda hospital has 60 days to move over 600 patients before it shuts down. It’s only placed 48 so far. KQED. https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101889843/laguna-honda-hospital-has-60-days-to-move-over-600-patients-before-it-shuts-down-its-only-placed-58-so-far