A Prison Hospital?

By Robert E. Jensen
The Desert Independent

February 9, 2010

BLYTHE, Calif – The ground trembled under the not-so-earthquake-proofed hospital as Director Tim Maley did some name-dropping in a quest for a 25-bed lock-down prison hospital adjacent to the Palo Verde Healthcare Facility at the latest meeting of the District. Board of Directors.

In a presentation to the board and a packed audience, Director Maley related a conversation he had on a flight to Sacramento with former Assemblyperson Bonnie Garcia about the number of prison guards haunting the halls of the hospital guarding sick or injured prisoners from the local lock-downs while garnering overtime. The more serious cases need to be transported to Coachella, Brawly and San Diego for treatments that cannot be had locally – all on the taxpayer’s dime. The idea came up that perhaps a prison hospital could be built locally with funds garnered from AB 900, a state provision that can be gleaned by reading the following LINK.

Another “clunk” was heard as Assemblyperson Jon Benoit’s name was uttered. Director Maley conferred with him as well and the suggestion was made that the local penitentiaries, the Department of Corrections and the Healthcare District meet, confer and construct a “White Paper” detailing the benefits of such a project.

According to Maley, there would be a cost savings in overtime to the Department as well as travel and per diem. A possibility of increase of staff could be created as well as expansion; however the facility would have to be separate from the current hospital and be on a “lock-down” status. Instead of a plethora of guards, only four would be needed at any time. Doctors and nurses would have to be “keyed” in.

This, of course, would be a long-term process and there would be “no free lunch”, according to Maley. With that, it was motioned, seconded and approved that the Board look into this prospect.