Not currently logged in. [Login or Create an Account]

Stay Connected

While You Might Hope to Avoid Them, It's Good to Know Downtown's Got Good Hospitals

By Eric Richardson
Published: Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 07:10PM

Eric Richardson [Flickr]

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The shot accompanying this story is an x-ray of my left wrist, taken today at California Hospital. It's pretty cleanly broken -- you don't need to be a radiologist to see that it's pretty clearly (and cleanly) broken.

Instead of sharing the story of how that came to be, I'd instead like to remark on how cool it is to live Downtown and have medical services within walking distance.

This morning it was just a three block walk from one of my typical hangouts to go get x-rays at South Park's California Hospital (Grand at 14th). The Radiology department was quick and efficient, reading my film on the spot and consulting with my doctor on what I should do next.

A few years back I had to make a trip over to the Emergency Room at Good Samaritan (just blocks west of Downtown on Witmer) to get stitches after I managed to knee myself in the forehead while wakeboarding. Again, the trip was as pleasant of an experience as one can expect out of a trip to the E.R.

While we may wish to avoid their services, it's nice to know that Downtown has the medical facilities it does. You never know when you might have to call on them.

Tweet This Story || Share on Facebook

Conversation

Guest 1

Brian on January 27, 2009, at 07:29PM – #1

Sorry to hear about that break but I'm glad it was all taken care of in a 'clean' and efficient manner.

No surgery I hope!

Guest 2

David Kennedy on January 27, 2009, at 10:04PM – #2

Our daughter Brisa was born just before dawn at the California Hospital. My wife remembers the gentle touch of her doctor. When I was asked if I wanted to cut the umbilical cord, I retorted, "That's what I'm paying you for Doc." I vividly recall as my wife and daughter rested after the birth, I took in the view of the downtown skyline from her room as the morning sun rose.

I'd also point out to any pregnant parents downtown, the Lamaze (sic?) birthing classes at the hospital were superb. They transformed a difficult labor into a 'piece of cake' delivery. The training really made a difference. Hopefully, this expertise endured. When we retook the class at another hospital, the experience was useless.

And once the baby had arrived, we discovered that Little Tokyo has a concentration of excellent family practitioners, pediatricians and sundry other specialists.

Ginny-Marie Case on January 27, 2009, at 10:06PM – #3

I'll put my two cents in for Good Samaritin. I've tried out many of the floors there...all good. As both a day time patient and for stayovers, the food was good and, the staff is great.

The big bonus: the restroom on the first floor's baby changing table is always stocked and clean.

Ginny-Marie Case on January 27, 2009, at 10:07PM – #4

Also - will you be telling us what you were doing to make a break like that? My money is on skateboard in Chinatown. ;-)

Guest 3

Ken H on January 27, 2009, at 11:12PM – #5

Sorry to hear about your broken wrist Eric.

Hope you feel better and heal fast.

Ken

Guest 4

skidrowdude on January 28, 2009, at 08:13AM – #6

Get well soon Eric! That break must make the keyboard a little tough to use...

We really are lucky with California Hospital and Good Samaritan so close.

Guest 5

Marc Loge on January 28, 2009, at 08:52AM – #7

Ouch! Sorry to hear about your arm, Eric! And if I remember correctly, you are left handed ... what a nuisance. Feel better!

Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on January 28, 2009, at 09:35AM – #8

Nope, thankfully I'm right-handed. I broke my right arm when I was younger and that was quite the experience in learning how to do things lefty.

Guest 6

AFS on January 28, 2009, at 10:10AM – #9

I agree DT has great medical services, I've often used Pacific alliance Medical center in China town(old french hosptial). The location is clean, efficient and very close.

Guest 7