SMCo Supervisor Mueller Looks for Full Transparency from AHMC for the Closure of the Emergency Room at the Coastside Seton Medical Center

Today, as the County Supervisor representing the San Mateo County Coast, I express my grave concerns and call for an investigation and public reporting of information regarding the impending closure (April 1st, 2024 for 6-9 months for repairs) of the emergency room at Seton Medical Center Coastside.

This decision by *AHMC, which owns and operates Seton Coastside, has significant implications for the residents of our community, as the Seton Coastside emergency room is the only facility of its kind serving our coastal region.

In addition, I am concerned that the decision by AHMC may be in direct violation of conditions imposed by the California Attorney General when that office approved the AHMC’s purchase of Seton Hospital and Seton Coastside in 2020. I am also concerned that AHMC’s actions may have implications under the agreement pursuant to which the County of San Mateo provided financial support to AHMC for seismic improvements at the Seton Hospital campus in Daly City.

I am deeply troubled by the lack of public transparency surrounding this closure. Despite my repeated requests, my office has been denied access to the information that AHMC provided to the State Department of Public Health in support of its request for permission to close the emergency room. This information is essential to understand whether the closure is justified and in light of its impact on our community’s access to critical 24-hour emergency healthcare services.

Finally, I am asking for full transparency and reporting to the public regarding Medicare’s current rating of “one star”, “much below average”, of AHMC Seton Medical Center Hospital in Daly City, and Seton Medical Center Coastside, as reported on the Medicare.Gov website.

It is imperative that the public receive a full explanation of how this rating affects resident’s access to care, and the quality of care at these locations. Again, as the County provided financial assistance to AHMC, the question must be asked in light of receiving the lowest rating available, whether the hospital is being operated in compliance with the terms of this financial assistance.

I urge Seton Medical Center and AHMC to provide a public accounting with respect to this decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with the County and community stakeholders to explore alternatives that ensure continued access to emergency healthcare services on the San Mateo County Coast. The health and safety of our residents must remain our top priority, and I will continue to advocate vigorously on their behalf in this matter.