Editorial: Hospital’s reasonable cost-cutting

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002 | 9:15 a.m.

The Clark County Commission took some steps this week to cut costs for University Medical Center, the county-run hospital that also cares for indigent patients. The commission decided to shut down two of UMC's Quick Care clinics, significantly cut the hospital's advertising budget and adopt a few other cost-cutting measures that will cut its $17 million deficit by nearly $5 million. It won't come close to erasing the debt, but it is a start to get costs under control.

The County Commission sought to ensure that the budget cuts didn't result in inadequate care, and considering what reductions they made, it appears that they're on the right track. Even the closure of two of the county's 14 Quick Care clinics, facilities that typically treat patients with routine ailments or injuries, appears well-thought out. Shutting down a Quick Care should be a last resort, and in this case it was encouraging that the commission chose to close the two clinics with the fewest patients -- one at the Community College of Southern Nevada's West Charleston campus and the second in the outlying area of Jean. Those who currently use the two Quick Cares may be inconvenienced, but there's no evidence that the quality of medical care will suffer.

We supported County Manager Thom Reilly's proposal to have his office exert greater control over the running of UMC, a change that occurred following the unexpected disclosure recently that the hospital was seriously in the red. Reilly's increased oversight of the hospital, including its finances, is going well for now. Ultimately, money may have to be found elsewhere in government to keep UMC running, but it is reassuring to see the county make reductions at UMC first before they take money away from other deserving programs.