$5 million funded by the state to build a subacute care unit within Chinese Hospital for patients in need

(SAN FRANCISCO) In-hospital care has been very expensive and more and more patients who are in need have to be pushed out of the hospitals. Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced $5 million state fund has been allocated to the Chinese Hospital to support the building of a subacute care unit within the facility.

Ting, who is also the Assembly Budget Committee Chair, made the announcement at the annual golf tournament fundraising event at the Olympic Club on October 3. The $5 million fund was included in the state budget for the first time and secured by Ting.

Subacute Care is in urgent need in San Francisco. According to the Chinese Hospital, subacute care provides a high level of care on an inpatient basis for patients post acute illness, injury or disease or complex health problems, and consists of a range of special services and supports, such as post-surgical care and rehabilitation.

Hospital-based subacute units have a team of doctors, nurses, as well as other healthcare experts with specialized training to handle all emergencies.

In San Francisco, there is a severe shortage of subacute care beds, while the demand for subacute care services is increasing. More demands are among the senior members of the Chinese community. Some patients have no other choices and are placed in the out-of-town facilities.

Chinese Hospital plans to create a new subacute care unit in its Chinatown facility. The newly-acquired $5 million state fund is able to help Chinese Hospital to start building the unit sooner.

“We must add more beds for San Franciscans who need subacute and skilled nursing care. It’s not fair to force their families and friends to travel long distances to visit their loved ones. The state investment I secured for Chinese Hospital expands local treatment options and takes a step toward bringing health equity to this community,” said Ting.

Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital, acknowledged Ting's efforts at the state level. “We want to express our appreciation to Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting, who requested and secured funding for our new subacute care unit project.”

“We recognize and embrace Chinese Hospital’s important role in safeguarding the community, particularly in times of public health crisis. As such, Chinese Hospital decided to take an important step to create a hospital-based subacute unit to help alleviate the burden on the local healthcare system in collaboration with San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and UCSF, and provide quality care to San Franciscans despite the challenges.”