Miami-Dade County Commissioners put a swift halt to plans to close the obstetrics unit at Jackson South Community Hospital on Thursday, while berating the Public Health Trust that runs Jackson for its decision last week to close the money-losing center.
The county commission's move to overrule the shuttering of the under-used obstetrics facility illustrates the tough challenges the Public Health Trust faces in finding ways to reverse losses at Jackson Memorial Hospital while preserving its mission of providing vital public health services.
The Public Health Trust voted to close the obstetrics unit at Jackson South because it is projected to lose $2.57 million this year and averages only eight patients daily. The trust said those pregnant women would be welcome at Jackson Memorial, 21 miles away.
Angel Medina, vice chairman of the Public Health Trust, said the decision to close the unit at Jackson South, 9333 S.W. 152nd St., and ``consolidating'' the obstetrics program at the main Jackson hospital complex wouldn't deprive county residents of services. He said Jackson estimates switching to other surgical services, including bariatric surgery, could turn the $2.5 million a year loss from the facility into a $2 million profit.
Yet he said the county's vote to overrule that plan will only mean other, more difficult financial decisions will have to come.
``This was an easy decision and if commissioners can't do this, get your checkbook out, because there are harder decisions ahead,'' Medina said after the county commissioners blocked the closure.
The county commmission plans to review the obstetrics program as part of its overall look at the new budget in the fall, but given the tenor of commissioners' remarks, its preservation looks like a sure bet.
``A safety net hospital without obstetrics, to me, is not a safety net hospital,'' said County Commission Chairman Dennis Moss.
Moss and other commissioners scolded the Public Health Trust for quickly making the closure decision last week without putting the topic on its agenda.
``Taking OB South out should not be an option the board [of the Public Health Trust] has entertained, and I'm shocked that it has,'' said Commmissioner Barbara Jordan. ``I know there are other hospitals in South Dade, but there's only one Jackson South.''
Martha Baker, president of the SEIU Healthcare Florida Local 1991, which represents nurses and doctors, applauded the county commission's move. She kissed Commissioner Natacha Seijas and thanked her as the county commission broke for lunch after the vote.
``This is the way politics is supposed to work,'' said Baker, whose union hired a consulting firm to shoot holes in the Public Health Trust's decision.
Among other things, the Jackson South obstetrics facility provides midwife services and has a track record of fewer caesarian section deliveries.
Commissioner Katy Sorenson, citing the health complications of caesarian deliveries, said the Jackson South facility could be attractive to more women if it were properly marketed.