Marin County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
Smart Voter

Position paper

By Diana De Angelis Parnell, MD

Candidate for Director; Marin Healthcare District; Full Term

This information is provided by the candidate
Quality healthcare is the most important issue
My major concern is that Marin General Hospital provides the best possible healthcare to the people it serves.
During my eight years on the Marin Healthcare District Board, I have supported:
1. Increased nurse staffing ratios while actively opposing cuts in licensed healthcare professionals at the hospital
2. A Countywide Trauma System, however, I believe Marin deserves a Level II trauma center which mandates continuous, uninterrupted neurosurgical coverage - more than any of its hospitals having been willing to provide at this time . Hopefully, this will change.
3. A stroke center at Marin General Hospital with an in-hospital MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to determine the cause of the stroke.
4. The maintenance of the psychiatric unit at MGH which is able to provide care for all of Marin's residents including the indigent and the provision of adolescent psychiatric healthcare within the County. Currently, all adolescents are transported out of the County.  Local control of our public hospital  Changes in the Lease of MGH to protect the public's interest in its most precious asset and to ensure that Marin General Hospital be operated solely of the benefit of the residents of this District who have created it and who continue to support it.
5. A level of medical service so high that no residents will seek care outside of Marin County.
6. The District Board's lawsuit to determine the legality of the Lease.

Marin General Hospital became part of a large hospital system - Sutter Health in 1996. As part of Sutter's obligated group, money in excess of 2 weeks' operating expenses flows to Sacramento and MGH is now jointly and severally liable for all of Sutter's debts (now in excess of $1.2 billion dollars.)

I have the experience in healthcare and community affairs to make rational, informed and independent decisions. I am not employed by Marin General Hospital nor am I one of its contract physicians.

I remain prepared and committed to meet the healthcare challenges ahead for our community and I ask for your vote.

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ca/mrn Created from information supplied by the candidate: November 5, 2000 14:45
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