An independent community survey recently commissioned by the Tahoe Forest Hospital District shows residents strongly support the inclusion of Tahoe Forest Hospital in the Town of Truckee’s General Plan, which currently excludes the Hospital.
The General Plan Update has been roundly criticized by community stakeholders who are upset that it currently excludes Tahoe Forest Hospital. The Plan will guide zoning and Town planning for generations to come.
The survey, conducted April 24 - May 2, shows two-thirds of respondents agree the Hospital needs to be included in the Update that regulates all future land use planning and zoning issues. The Hospital was originally included in the process, but then was removed without explanation or any public discussion, transparency or consultation with the Hospital.
“In the past six years, Tahoe Forest Hospital has had a 50% increase in patient visits. We’ve struggled to keep up and often patients have had to wait” said Tahoe Forest Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Evans. “We all want to provide outstanding care for our special community. I believe that we can collaborate with the Town of Truckee and other partners to ensure our healthcare facilities are sufficient to meet our community’s needs in the future.”
The survey also shows respondents identified local issues including access to local healthcare, traffic congestion, lack of parking and difficulty making primary and family healthcare appointments. The Hospital District has indicated it is eager to continue to do its part to address these local issues.
“If the Town is making plans for meeting the healthcare needs of its residents over the next several decades, it just makes sense that the healthcare and medical needs of our growing and aging community be considered at the same time,” said Tahoe Forest Hospital District Board President Alyce Wong, RN. “We strongly urge the Town to consider our patient needs and this community’s input.”
The Truckee Town Council will consider whether or not to adopt the current draft of the General Plan Update at its May 9th meeting. The draft currently excludes the Hospital.
For the final report of community survey results, visit the Health System News section on www.TFHD.com.
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