(Washington, DC)— Yesterday Los Angeles County health director Dr. Thomas Garthwaite resigned his position.  Congresswoman Watson issued the following statement:

“Dr. Garthwaite had an impossible task.  During my twenty year tenure as a state senator, five different people held the position of Los Angeles county health director.  I wish Dr. Garthwaite the best in his new job.

“The resignation of Dr. Garthwaite opens up an opportunity to rethink the management of the county hospital system.  I believe we must now consider creating a separate hospital board to manage the activities and oversight of our county hospitals.  This will require the approval of both the county board of supervisors and the state legislature.  Those discussions should commence immediately.

“I am a strong supporter of King/Drew Medical Center.  It is an invaluable asset to the residents of Los Angeles.  But King/Drew’s future health and long term viability will require strong oversight and leadership from an entity that has the flexibility and independence to address the hospital’s many problems.  King/Drew’s future, as well as that of the Los Angeles County hospital system, will depend on a new point of departure and new way of thinking.”