A task force dedicated to improving women’s health services in Las Vegas held its inaugural meeting at Alta Vista Regional Hospital on Tuesday.
The interim CEO of Alta Vista Hospital, Amanda Shurtz, welcomed attendees by stating, “Today is about exploration.” The meeting brought together key figures including Sandy Deisler, the hospital’s infection control and risk manager; Chief Nursing Officer Leah Joslin; Representative Elect Anita Gonzales; Trisha Smith, the hospital’s CFO; Arielle Hawney from the Las Vegas Community Foundation; and Elaine Luna, a social worker and health advocate in the community.
Shurtz, who is also the corporate director of operations for Java Medical Group, which runs the hospital, mentioned that the CEO, Bappa Mukherji, has often been asked about the potential return of obstetrics (OB) services to Alta Vista. She relayed Mukherji’s stance that “OB is not off the table for this hospital.”
Shurtz emphasized the importance of evaluating whether bringing back OB services would be beneficial for the community. “We want to ensure that our decisions are based on evidence, data, and empathy for those affected,” she said.
To facilitate this, attendees shared their personal and professional stories regarding women’s health at Alta Vista. Joslin highlighted the pressing need for women’s health services, describing it as “a huge area of focus that needs some attention.” She pointed out that deliveries still happen in the emergency room and stressed the importance of creating resources for females at all stages of life, from puberty through menopause.
Gonzales, a local resident, expressed her awareness of the shifts in services offered at Alta Vista, noting the absence of women’s health services that used to be available. “I would love to see us return to a point where these services are offered again,” she remarked. “This is a clear community need.”
The task force plans to invite additional community health leaders to join their efforts and intends to reconvene in February to continue their discussions.
