$400 MILLION BOOST FOR HOSPITALS SET ARNOLD: MONEY'S IN STATE BUDGET.

Byline: JASON KANDEL Staff Writer

BURBANK -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday highlighted a $400 million plan for more medical equipment and supplies to enable California hospitals to better handle large-scale emergencies and natural disasters.

The plan, part of the governor's overall $131 billion proposed budget, would be the largest investment of any state for such emergency medical items as mobile field hospitals, ventilators, protective equipment and supplies, he said.

The governor called the investment critical in light of a potential threat from the avian influenza virus, which has infected some 200 people around the world since 1997.

``In California, the next health and safety challenge is always right around the corner,'' Schwarzenegger said during a news conference at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, one of 11 disaster resource centers in Los Angeles County that would likely receive some of the funding.

``In light of the pandemic flu risk, it is absolutely a critical investment,'' he said. ``I'm not willing to gamble with the people's safety.''

Kim Belshe, secretary of the state Health and Human Services Department, said the plan would go a long way toward helping prepare for disasters or flu outbreaks in the state.

``As Californians, we need to prepare for all kinds of disasters,'' she said. ``Many of us who grew up in California may recall practicing for earthquake drills when we were in school. And we've experienced earthquakes ... we've experienced floods and fires. We have to be prepared for those types of natural disasters.''

Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer, D-Glendale, said he supports the investment and hopes that, if it is approved as part of the budget, the Governor's Office will move quickly to implement the plan.

``We're in agreement that the state needs to be prepared for pandemics and other strains on the health care system,'' said Frommer. ``We have put money in the budget in previous years for this purpose. The problem is the administration is slow to react and get the program up and running. So this money's in the budget. I don't think there's a dispute about the money.''

Dan Boyle, a spokesman for the 448-bed Burbank hospital, said the plan would be a much-needed shot in the arm for hospitals in the Los Angeles area that are already stretched thin.

``When we have a major flu season in Los Angeles County, it is going to be very difficult to find enough beds in hospitals in this region to care for all of the them,'' Boyle said. ``It's very concerning, and if there is a major disaster or pandemic flu, there will just not be enough beds.''

jason.kandel(at)dailynews.com

[phone]

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

At a news conference Friday morning at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announces $400 million in spending in the state budget for equipment and other medical needs.

Alex Collins/Special to the Daily News