French Camp, Calif.-based San Joaquin General Hospital's trauma center may close if it fails to address staffing issues, KCRA 3 reports.
The trauma center is understaffed and needs to fix the shortage before Oct. 10 to maintain trauma center status. State and federal officials are mandating some trauma patients be diverted 41 miles to another facility for care.
Protesters and dozens of county workers are asking the vacant positions at the hospital to be filled immediately. San Joaquin General Hospital's CEO David Culberson said an increase in gunshot victims has led to the shortage, with 200 patients being treated per month as opposed to 110 patients per month in past years, according to the report.
"San Joaquin General Hospital is adding additional resources, including surgeons and nurses, to meet San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services Agency requirements," Mr. Culberson said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review.
This article was updated at 3:37 p.m. CST to reflect Mr. Culberson's comment.
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