SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by C. Duane Dauner, President, California Hospital Association:

"The California Hospital Association applauds the leadership of Governor Jerry Brown and his Administration to ensure that patients and the health care workforce are protected and that hospitals are prepared to respond if an Ebola case occurs in California. The designation of UC Hospitals to receive and treat patients is the latest step in what has been a comprehensive response by health care leaders, hospitals, physicians, nurses, public safety and other stakeholders. Communication, cooperation, coordination, and collaboration are critically important and hospital leaders are working with the Administration to expand the network.  A statement will be released next week identifying additional hospitals that will accept and treat patients with a confirmed Ebola diagnosis.

While there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in California, hospitals continue to play a leadership role, actively working with the California Department of Public Health, Cal/OSHA, Cal OES, and the California Emergency Medical Services Authority as well as local public health departments to identify opportunities to strengthen our preparedness to respond. Proper equipment, training, communication and coordination are priorities.

All hospitals in California are prepared to screen and isolate patients with any type of a contagious disease. As part of their education curriculum, all clinical staff is trained in basic infection control.  Once they are employed by a hospital, clinicians and others involved in patient care are provided additional training on an ongoing basis. Specific education and training programs on Ebola, initially focused on health care workers who work in high-risk areas such as emergency departments and intensive care units, are underway.

California hospitals and providers will continue to provide high quality care and remain committed to safeguarding patients and our health care workforce."

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SOURCE California Hospital Association