I am proud of Desert Regional's achievements and commitment to care

Scott White
·2 min read

As vice chair for the Desert Regional Medical Center governing board, I know how much the 2,200+ employees at DRMC are valued – especially the nurses. I would like to clarify and emphasize the significant investments made by DRMC to our community, particularly in light of recent criticisms.

Here are some important facts:

  • DRMC provides care for more than 330,000 patient encounters per year.

  • The hospital has funded over $339 million in capital improvements at DRMC – all without costing the valley’s taxpayers a single penny.

  • DRMC is in compliance with the lease agreement with the healthcare district. It meets all annual reporting requirements and has passed physical plant reviews and site inspections.

  • DRMC has also met each deadline as required by law regarding seismic compliance.

  • Through the Desert Care Network, Tenet is the largest healthcare provider to the underserved in the Coachella Valley.

The investments at DRMC have resulted in significant enhancements to our region’s healthcare services, including the establishment of the first and only Level 1 Trauma Center and the first intensive care unit for newborns, which remains the highest level of neonatal intensive care in the Coachella Valley. Additionally, the hospital has made significant investments in stroke and cancer services.

Unfortunately, critics often overlook these accomplishments due to Tenet’s for-profit status.

Regarding the recent contract negotiations with the California Nurses Association, I want to highlight that Tenet Healthcare and the CNA have successfully negotiated a new three-year contract for the nurses, which runs through the summer of next year. This contract includes across-the-board pay increases, premium payments for advanced degrees, tuition reimbursements, premium payments for evening and night shifts, and other concessions requested by the union. Unfortunately, this crucial information was not included in Cyd Greenhorn’s April 28 Valley Voice piece.

As a member of the governing board at DRMC, I am proud of the hospital’s achievements and its commitment to providing high-quality care to our community. I have witnessed how Michele Finney and her team listen to the needs of the staff, patients and community, resulting in the development of a high-performing hospital. I have personally experienced the excellent care at Desert Regional Medical Center, having undergone two surgeries there and received wonderful service from the nurses, doctors and staff. They take pride in their work and are a testament to the positive work culture at Desert Regional Medical Center.

Scott White is the president & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. A native of California, with more than 37 years of hospitality and destination marketing experience, White was appointed by Gov. Newsom to serve on the California Travel and Tourism Commission and is the chair-elect for Destinations International and serves on the executive committee of CalTravel. He can be reached at scott@visitgreaterps.com.

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This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: I am proud of Desert Regional's achievements and commitment to care