For medical school leaders working on solutions to the county budget crisis, this was a week in-between weeks that was. Last week, the County of Los Angeles made it patently clear that many public medical facilities would be closed or curtailed.
Next week is the deadline for a first round of so-called privatization proposals.
This week, a number of groups based in the medical school are exploring privatization possibilities. The new organizations would, in theory, take over some or all of the six comprehensive health centers and the 28 neighborhood clinics that the county has announced it will close on Oct. 1. This is a premise that is being widely debated. Some fear that closing down these clinics will trigger a flood of patients that will swamp emergency rooms and community hospitals. Those who promote the downsizing speak of the need to preserve trauma centers and other essential care.