For years, HCA has cut services at their hospitals in San José, California. Cultivating a track record of slashing vital, but less profitable services.
In the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, HCA closed the maternity ward at Regional Medical Center—the only one in East San José—forcing many underinsured families to travel across town for care.
In late 2023, HCA announced it was going to close the trauma center at Regional Medical Center and cut back heart attack and stroke services. After months of community outcry, HCA slightly walked back this decision. HCA ended up divesting completely from the East San José community, selling the facility to Santa Clara County.
Last year, HCA’s Good Samaritan Hospital closed its inpatient psychiatric facility, along with its neonatal services. The closure further exacerbated the area’s mental health crisis, leading to an 8% decrease in inpatient psychiatric beds.
Sources:
San Jose hospital meeting ends without community benefits commitment
San José Leaders Approve $1.2 Billion Overhaul of Good Samaritan Hospital Despite Concerns