1. Home
  2. About Us
  3. Community Commitment
  4. Community Health Improvement
  5. Our Programs
  6. Adults
  7. Operation Access
print

John Muir Health collaborates with the Community Clinic Consortium of Contra Costa and Solano Counties to donate surgical care to low-income, uninsured county residents through Operation Access. The process for providing surgical resources, laboratory services, and pharmaceuticals begins with a referral from one of the consortium’s member community clinics. Operation Access screens the patients for insurance eligibility and, for those who qualify, arranges a consultation with a volunteer surgeon from John Muir Health at no charge. Learn more about Operation Access

Patient Story

The surgery was a total success; I am now healthy and happy with the drive to live, work and support my family.

My name is Jeannette and I arrived in the United States when I was thirty. The year I had my daughter, I went to San Francisco General Hospital for severe abdominal pain, where they told me I had gallstones. On several occasions I tried to get surgery, but couldn’t since I didn't have insurance. My husband and I had very little money to support ourselves and could not afford the expensive procedure. My condition worsened as I waited on several waiting lists. I spent the next 26years dealing with the pain of my condition, including weight gain, a growing stomach and limited diet. I couldn't work because I couldn't lower myself or bend. When I felt I reached a dead end, I returned to my home country in search of alternative medicine. I’ve spent the past few years hoping the alternative methods would cure me. Despite my attempts, I could not sleep at night and had started vomiting frequently. It was difficult to walk and breathe normally. Many nights I would pray, asking for anything to alleviate the pain. Then, a couple months ago, I went to La Clinica de la Raza, where they did an ultrasound and told me I was being referred to Operation Access for a cholecystectomy. Shortly after my referral was sent, Operation Access sent me to see Dr. Fernando Otero at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek. I was very nervous when I arrived as I had not had surgery before, but Dr. Otero’s smile and reassurance helped me feel comfortable and safe. Dr. Otero is a wonderful surgeon with a big heart. I count my blessings for having received such amazing care. The surgery was a total success; I am now healthy and happy with the drive to live, work and support my family. Dr. Otero and Operation Access were my angels, sent down to save my life.

Partners