SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — A group of South Bay area residents filed a lawsuit against a national hospital corporation Monday night.
They held an all-night prayer vigil to mourn the lives they say are at risk.
They blame HCA Healthcare, which owns San Jose Regional Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital.
Maria Noel Fernandez is with Working Partnerships USA.
“What we know is that while they’re currently trying to expand Good Sam, they’re actually trying to pull away from Regional Medical Center, where the majority of their customers are people of color and working-class people on the East Side,” Fernandez said. “What we’re seeing is a whole movement to put profits over people, to expand one hospital on the West Side and take services away from the East Side.”
Earlier this year, it was announced that RMC’s trauma center would be closing permanently, but it was later announced that as of Monday, Aug. 12, the trauma center would be downgraded from Level II to Level III.
Previous article: SJ Regional Medical Center staff express concerns over trauma center closure
Darcy Green, CEO of Latinas Contra Cancer, addressed the crowd.
“That gap costs patients their lives,” Green said, “and a disproportionate number of patients are uninsured or have trouble maintaining their insurance.”
For weeks, RMC officials, city leaders and some local residents have argued the measure will affect low-income families in East San Jose.
“It’s not a downgrade of the restaurant, it’s not about extra costs. We’re talking about someone’s health, someone’s life,” Fernandez said.
According to the American Trauma Association, the different levels represent the type of resources available: Level I is the highest level of care, Level II can initiate care for all injured patients, and Level III can provide rapid assessment, resuscitation, surgery, and intensive care.
Read more: Thousands of Santa Clara County nurses walk out of work in three-day strike
RMC said modifications will also be made to its heart attack and stroke programs.
Teresita Garcia, of Latinas Contra Cancer, said she has had three strokes.
“Tengo is 55 years old and he’s had a stroke,” Garcia said.
She says it’s thanks to the RMC department that she’s still here and able to serve the community.
ABC7 News has reached out to HCA Healthcare about Good Samaritan and RMC’s plans and is waiting to hear back.
Meanwhile, San Jose residents say they will continue to fight.
“So while we mourn their disregard for our lives, at the same time, by lighting these candles, we’re reminding ourselves that this fire is still burning,” Green said.
Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.
