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Posted by: mturnipseed on 03/04/2010 02:55
Updated by: mturnipseed on 03/04/2010 02:55
Expires: 01/01/2015 12:00
Health Care Meeting Seeks To Serve A Growing And Diverse Population
by Lisa Pinson, KERNTAX Intern
February 23, 2010
The Kern Economic Development Corporation led an open discussion last Wednesday at the newly structured Padre Hotel with those in medical professions. Although no extraordinary solutions were made, health and business supervisors were able to voice their opinions and observations regarding how to make Kern County a more desirable place in which to gain medical treatment.
Health Care Meeting Seeks To Serve A Growing And Diverse Population
by Lisa Pinson, KERNTAX Intern
February 23, 2010
The Kern Economic Development Corporation led an open discussion last Wednesday at the newly structured Padre Hotel with those in medical professions. Although no extraordinary solutions were made, health and business supervisors were able to voice their opinions and observations regarding how to make Kern County a more desirable place in which to gain medical treatment.
Larry Pickett of Larry Pickett Public Relations led the discussion by asking officials to share their ideas on opportunities within location, service available, and the growing and aging population within Kern County. Richard Chapman of the Kern Economic Development Corporation would occasionally chime in to help give an occupational and business perspective to the many hot topics associated with health care.
What seemed to matter the most to medical participants pertained to the growing population of Kern County, and what potential services Bakersfield customers would benefit from having the most. Heath professionals were concerned about not only the growing population of Kern County but the specific demographics. Medical marketers were confident that there are indeed customers willing to pay for services. They also believe, however that those patients with money always feel persuaded to leave town because they are convinced that Los Angeles will provide more suitable quality assistance.
Not only are customers with health care supporting other facilities, but so are Bakersfield citizens without insurance. Potential health care patients within Bakersfield could very well be supporting hospitals outside of the Kern County limits. It had been considered that many Bakersfieldians drive south of the border to pay significantly less for health services in Mexico. With the price of gas however, both options would amount to the same cost.
If there were to be an excess of specialty programs available, there would be more opportunities for patients to stay within Kern County for specific treatments. For example, professionals agreed that there should be a higher demand in town for dieticians and psychologists. Also, there are currently no available services within neurology and certainly not enough cardiac programs offered. As of now, it is on every doctor’s wish list and agenda to build a team of cardiac specialists. Question is, does Bakersfield have the volume to support a team?
Unfortunately that question is yet to be answered. With a growing population of families with low income, more and more local citizens are not able to afford services. This dilemma causes hospitals to struggle to find the money to expand their resources. One doctor suggested that Bakersfield should offer a free clinic where retired doctors could serve in their free time.
Along with the difficulty of gaining clients, comes the challenge of recruiting a talented and balanced staff. Many doctors that have been recruited to Bakersfield from surrounding metro cities in California were not ready to accept a lifestyle change. As a result, they often demanded higher salaries. It was advised that recruitment should span the Midwest in order to maintain employees for a reasonable salary.
Recruiting nurses is another conflict in and of itself. Because nursing programs have nearly doubled, there is a surplus of nursing graduates looking for work or already working in their field. In fact, 1/3 of the nurses at San Joaquin are recent nursing graduates. Although this may seem like a positive reinforcement, there is a need for more experienced nurses as well.
Another predicament of hiring dozens of inexperienced nurses is the extended amount of time it has taken for these trainees to learn the new technology that hospitals now have to offer. Since most hospitals are in the process of going paperless, it is necessary that nurses have essential and practical computer skills. One of many solutions brainstormed was to allow more apprenticeships for young, and eager prospective nurses. By doing so, they would have the fundamental skills and experience that hospitals desire as opposed to the theoretical knowledge.
Every strength and weakness of the medical market mentioned depended upon the community. Many complaints consisted of rumors circulating around town concerning the quality of Bakersfield’s hospitals, or the lack there of. Participants were asked throughout the meeting to decipher both the myth vs. reality, and perception vs. reality within Bakersfield. By allowing leaders in the medical field to voice their opinions and observations, our Kern County services are coming closer to providing valuable services and are preparing for necessary changes. Before the nation potentially undergoes health care alterations, our city must be stable and robust on its own terms.
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