Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Subject: Coastal Urgent Care Pilot Agreement provided by Dignity Health Medical Foundation
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing a Grant Agreement with Dignity Health Medical Foundation to provide a pilot for urgent care services for coastal residents south of Pacifica, for the term of July 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $480,879.
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BACKGROUND:
On April 1, 2024, Seton Coastside’s emergency room (ER) closed to undertake extensive building repairs because of severe storm damage to its aging structure. That closure raised concerns regarding whether coastal residents have adequate access to urgent healthcare services. Since the closure, residents have expressed concern that getting timely access to urgent care services requires going “over the hill” via a two-lane highway subject to frequent traffic jams and stoppages.
An additional concern is the large number of seniors that have challenges with being able to drive themselves long distances to get urgent care. This pilot provides the coastal community an opportunity to have access to urgent care services while Seton Coastside’s ER is closed.
DISCUSSION:
San Mateo County is proposing to fund a pilot program to determine the viability of urgent care services through an existing Dignity Health Medical Foundation (Dignity) clinic in Half Moon Bay. The urgent care clinic will be operational Wednesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM to meet the needs of coastal residents that cannot access urgent care during working hours. The clinic will also be open one day on the weekend to cover those who cannot access services during the week.
The pilot will provide the County and coastal residents with data regarding the demand for urgent care services by coastal residents so that the community can make evidence-based decisions regarding the need for emergent or urgent care services at that location. The agreement provides for a three-month ramp up period for hiring and licensing with services starting on October 1, 2024, and that Dignity will provide the County with utilization reports at the end of a three-month period so that the parties may determine whether the pilot should be extended beyond the initial six months. The clinic is located on Main Street, close to many businesses, and is easily accessible. All residents and visitors can access the clinic for urgent care.
The total pilot cost is $480,879 for six months, with the option of renewing for another six months based on the results of the utilization reports.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form. It is anticipated that the clinic will mobilize three urgent care staff by October 1, 2024.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Projected |
|
Number of urgent care staff mobilized |
3 staff |
EQUITY IMPACT:
This agreement will improve geographical access for all coastal residents to urgent care services where currently none exists.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the Pilot Agreement with Dignity Health Medical Foundation is July 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. The amount of the Agreement is $480,879. This agreement with be funded with one-time Net County Cost and will be included in the FY 2024-25 September Budget.