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October 27, 2003 11:00 a.m.

Media Contact: Health Sciences Communications (619) 543-6163

UCSD HEALTHCARE STATUS REPORT
Update from the UCSD Medical Centers

UCSD Medical Center--Hillcrest and UCSD Thornton Hospital—La Jolla have set up an internal command center in order to effectively respond to and support San Diego County’s need for medical care during the current crisis. All personnel who can safely come to work have reported to their usual work shifts. Day care is available at both sites for employees.

Both hospitals are open and operating. Elective surgeries at both sites have been cancelled for Monday to make sure resources are available for patients with urgent and critical needs. Both hospitals have general and intensive care beds available, and the emergency rooms are busy but able to accommodate patients who are coming in. Urgent care is also available at both sites. The UCSD Regional Burn Center continues to be able to accept seriously burned patients.

UCSD outpatient clinics at Mira Mesa and Tierrasanta are closed on Monday, October 27. At this time, all other UCSD outpatient clinics are open. Decisions about clinic schedules for the remainder of Monday and for Tuesday, October 28 will be made based on continuous assessment of the situation.

At this time, UCSD Healthcare has ample supplies, including pharmaceuticals. UCSD Medical Center is in continuing communication with the San Diego County Emergency Operations Center to assure seamless coordination county-wide among the region’s health providers and emergency responders.

“This is a very difficult time for our community. We are appreciative of the physicians and staff who have responded to assure that patient care needs are being met as this crisis continues,” said Richard Liekweg, UCSD Medical Center Chief Executive Officer.