Auxiliary withholds annual donation until VC negotiations finalized

September 26, 2003
Santa Paula News

The Santa Paula Memorial Hospital Auxiliary held their annual luncheon Wednesday but although they handed out generous scholarships and recognition pins to volunteers, they kept a firm grip on its $12,000 donation to the cash-strapped hospital.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe Santa Paula Memorial Hospital Auxiliary held their annual luncheon Wednesday but although they handed out generous scholarships and recognition pins to volunteers, they kept a firm grip on its $12,000 donation to the cash-strapped hospital.Held at Logsdon’s at the Santa Paula Airport, the luncheon drew Auxiliary volunteers, SPMH board members, supporters and friends of the group that each year donates funds raised throughout the year for hospital equipment and renovations.“Normally, at about this time I turn to the board and give a check,” said Auxiliary President Jody Caudillo, seated at the head table with SPMH board members and Mark Gregson, the hospital chief operating officer employed by Quorum Health Resources, the SPMH management firm. “But we will when you sign on the bottom-line” with Ventura County, noted Caudillo.The county has been negotiating an affiliation with SPMH in recent months after announcing in December that it was in desperate financial trouble and in danger of shutting down.“I want to convey the board’s thanks for all the wonderful things the Auxiliary has done always,” in support of the hospital, said Carol Burhoe, a SPMH director. “Your volunteer hours are incredible and we could not run the hospital without volunteers.”
Burhoe said she could understand the Auxiliary and Caudillo “wanting to ink a deal and I’m looking forward to that day,” to ensure vitally needed hospital services remain available to Santa Clara River Valley residents, Burhoe added.Gregson thanked Auxiliary volunteers for their efforts; the funds raised in the Pink Parasol Gift “shop and the scholarships” investing in the future of caregivers.Santa Paula Memorial Hospital ranked first in Ventura County and fourth in the state for patient satisfaction, he noted, and “what you do adds to that value. . .thank you very much for your service every day.”Hospital staff and community members have been questioning the length of the negotiations with Ventura County, as operations grow shakier at the hospital, only one of three in the state built entirely with community donations.The Auxiliary luncheon marked the 41st anniversary of the volunteer group.



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