The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously backed the expansion of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. The additional beds and health services at Holy Cross are needed to meet the health needs of the community, said Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who proposed the motion backing the project. “Los Angeles County has the largest population of any county in the nation with more than 10.2 million residents,” Antonovich said. “However, since 2003, ten hospitals have closed and 1,462 patients beds have been lost in Los Angeles County.” The medical center’s plans to build a 101-bed addition has faced criticism from community members concerned about the environmental impact the expansion may have on the surrounding community. –Mark Madler
