TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments, with the Regents of the University of California, on behalf of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health System and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Department of Neurology, for the provision of emergency stroke transport services, for a period of two years, with the option to renew for one additional one-year period, at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Fire Department by $18,250, offset by reimbursement revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On October 23, 2018, the City Council authorized an agreement with the Regents of the University of California, through the UCLA Health System and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (hereinafter referred to as UCLA), to operate its Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) within Long Beach, under the Long Beach Fire Department’s (LBFD) ambulance provider license. The MSU is staffed by a specialty care team comprised of a Stroke Neurologist, Critical Care Transport Nurse, CT Technician, and Paramedic. The MSU is a specially equipped ambulance, built with a mobile CT scanner, point-of-care lab tests, telehealth connection with a hospital, and stroke medications, all designed to deliver proven stroke therapies to patients faster than ever before. The MSU is designed to take all of the care traditionally given in the Emergency Department of a hospital, and deliver it directly to stroke patients where they are, all before transporting the patient to an approved stroke center for further care. The MSU responds as a part of the 911 Emergency Response System and delivers proven stroke therapies to patients in the field, improving immediate patient outcomes and reducing patient long-term disability, allowing patients to lead fuller, healthier lives. Under the proposed agreement, the LBFD will provide a Firefighter/Paramedic to staff the MSU and UCLA will reimburse the City for all costs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Sarah H. Green on June 11, 2021 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on July 13, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 3, 2021, to allow training and staffing for the MSU to begin as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
Under the agreement, UCLA will reimburse the City for the full cost of the Firefighter/Paramedic assigned to the MSU, which is estimated to be $219,500 annually, and $18,250 for the remainder of FY 21. An appropriation increase in the amount of $18,250 in the General Fund Group in the Fire Department is requested. The Fire Department will return to City Council in FY 22 to request additional appropriation adjustments as needed. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
XAVIER ESPINO
FIRE CHIEF
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER