DATE: June 20, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: David Luchini, RN, PHN, Director of Public Health
SUBJECT: Valley Children's Hospital Designation as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Valley Children's Hospital, for designation as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, with an unlimited number of automatic one-year extensions ($0)
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will continue designation of Valley Children's Hospital (VCH) as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center (Level II). The recommended agreement is required by the California Code of Regulations for designated trauma centers and outlines the responsibilities of both the County and VCH. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. Should your Board not approve the recommended action, VCH would lose its designation as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, losing their ability to treat pediatric trauma patients. All pediatric trauma patients would then be diverted to Community Regional Medical Center, as the Level I Trauma Center.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. There are no costs associated with the recommended agreement.
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Public Health is the designated Local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency for Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties, pursuant to Health and Safety Code, section 1797.200. The Local EMS Agency is responsible for planning, implementation, and evaluation of the emergency medical services system, which includes the designation of trauma centers.
The recommended action will approve an agreement with VCH to continue its designation as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center. VCH is the only children's trauma center bet...
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