Dignity Health California Hospital Ask a Doctor, Received Rave Reviews
Dr. Luigi Di Stefano, Director of the Emergency Room at Dignity Health California Hospital (DHCH), met and spoke with South Park residents at the second annual Ask a Doctor event on March 16 at Ten50’s lounge. Luigi is a former South Park resident, and his wife was an original owner at Luma. He knows the neighborhood.
CEO Brian Smolskis (left) and Dr. Luigi de Stefano, (right)
In addition, residents heard from the new President/CEO of DHCH, Brian Smolskis, who assumed his duties last December. Brian wants DHCH to be the neighborhood hospital and he wants to meet the needs of all residents in South Park. Several attending the event shared stories of their excellent care at DHCH both in the emergency room and the hospital, most of whom discovered the hospital because of an emergency. Bio information for Brian can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxtbbav.
Dr. Luigi provided his top three pieces of information/advice for the attendees:
1. Scooter accidents are the top injury for riders and pedestrians seen in the emergency room. His advice – watch out for scooters – they can do a lot of damage.
2. His emergency room is not The Pitt (the award-winning medical drama currently on HBO Max) which is depicted as overcrowded, underfunded, and chaotic. Luigi admitted that the old emergency room had some similarities with The Pitt, but the new facility is a very accommodating space and well-staffed.
3. DHCH is a minute away by ambulance or car for South Park residents. Time can matter. The hospital is a primary stroke center and honored by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. The hospital is rated as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP), meaning it has specialized resources (staff and technology) for pediatric emergencies. And it has distinction awards as reported in US News and World Report.
Take a moment to walk by Dignity Health California Hospital on Grand just south of Pico. Check out the new wing which includes the emergency room, maternity department, and neo-natal unit. DHCH is there for you!
By Debra Shrout