Jefferson County routinely sends from 650 to 750 patients to Galveston each month. Since the storm, some of those patients have been seen locally, while others are seeking medical care in Houston.

Earlier this month the County Commissioners voted to increase medical payments to local health care providers in an effort to obtain care for the county’s medically indigent. Local plastic surgeons, oncologists, oral surgeons, orthopedic specialists and any other area that is necessary for emergency treatment will receive the same rate as that of the federal Medicare program.

In addition, the county has formed a committee to determine how best to enhance patient care on a local level.

“This storm was not a glancing blow to our health system, it was a knockout. It puts us in a real tight spot,” Alfred said.

In other matters, the County Commissioners are expected to lift a burn ban that has been in effect for nearly three weeks. Rainfall received this week has been substantial to abate the fire damage, Fred Jackson, assistant to County Judge Ron Walker, said.

skoonce@panews.com