Local health officials speak at upcoming Newport meeting

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is set to host two Hoag Hospital officials at its WAKE UP! Newport meeting Thursday which will be held at the Central Library Friends room.

Hoag Hospital President and Chief Executive Robert Braithwaite and Covenant Health Network Chief Executive Dr. Richard Afable are scheduled to discuss the future of healthcare including: healthcare reform, population health, technology, the future role of primary care physicians and the future role of hospitals. Official county, state and federal representatives will also be at the meeting.

Covenant Health Network, linked Hoag and the St. Joseph Health system together last February to form the new network which serves millions of residents in the Orange County and High Desert areas.

Hoag announced in May that it would stop performing elective abortions, which is in line with the St. Joseph Health system policy. Those for and against the decision demonstrated outside the hospital in mid-June.

Admission to the 7:45 a.m. meeting is free. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served beforehand. Walk-ups are welcome on an available space basis, but reservations are encouraged for seating considerations.

— Chasen Doerr

Twitter: @TheDailyPilot