Somehow it escaped me, but several weeks ago our City Council adopted a resolution supporting Hoag Hospital “for all of the work that they have done during this COVID-19 crisis and supporting their bid for independence.”

The “whereas” entries are many as resolutions such as these tend to have, beginning appropriately enough with Hoag’s founding in 1952. They then mention the many accolades Hoag’s received over the years as our “community hospital” that has turned into a world-class facility.

The resolution highlights Hoag’s growth first through affiliation with St. Joseph’s Health System in 2013 and then, subsequently, with Providence Health in 2016 to create one of the largest health care systems in the country.

Here’s the caveat of the resolution though, “WHEREAS, Hoag’s goals of transforming care in the County through an affiliation with Providence Health have, in the opinion of the Hoag Board, not been achieved, and the Hoag Board, medical staff and the members of the Foundation believe it is in the best interests of the community for Hoag to regain its independence and keep resources and decision making local.”

The City then adds, “The City of Newport Beach supports Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in their effort to become independent and return to a community-based hospital serving Orange County’s residents because it is important for the protection of the Newport Beach community that health care decisions are made locally.”

There are millions and millions of dollars from local donors who would agree with this decision.

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