Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center recently debuted its new state-of-the-art clinical laboratory, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.
Arrowhead has been adding new equipment to the laboratory since February 2009 as part of an effort to streamline operations. According to laboratory manager Clarice Choy, most of the new equipment is rented, thus allowing the facility to upgrade as new technology is released (Sears, Riverside Press-Enterprise, 1/31).
John Muir Health, Walnut Creek
Not-for-profit health system John Muir Health has opened a 1,480 square-foot Center for Women's Continence and Pelvic Health as part of its Women's Health Center in Walnut Creek, the San Francisco Business Times reports.
The new health facility aims to provide diagnostic, treatment and management assistance for urinary and bladder problems (Rauber, San Francisco Business Times, 2/2).
Lodi Memorial Hospital, San Joaquin County
On Feb. 2, Lodi Memorial Hospital opened its new 26-bed emergency department, making it San Joaquin County's largest and most modern ED, the Stockton Record reports.
The new ED is part of Lodi Memorial's recent $187 million expansion that has brought the hospital's total number of beds to 270 (Goldeen, Stockton Record, 1/31).
UCLA Hospital System, Santa Monica
The regents of the University of California have agreed to pay $147 million over 30 years to rent a planned medical facility in Santa Monica, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Construction of the 50,000 square-foot, three-story facility is expected to begin in August directly across the street from the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital, which UCLA acquired in 1995.
The new development will include eight operating rooms, two oncology units for radiation therapy, laboratories and medical offices (Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 2/1).
Valley Health System, Riverside
In mid-January, Valley Health System notified employees or their labor unions that they will be terminated on or about April 10 as a result of the pending sale of the hospital district's assets to Physicians for Healthy Hospitals, the Press-Enterprise reports.
A spokesperson for the physician group said most employees would be rehired. The physician group also has said it will honor the hospitals' contracts with the California Nurses Association and the Service Employees International Union's United Healthcare Workers-West.
VHS filed for bankruptcy more than two years ago and owes nearly $64 million to creditors. Although the deal has yet to be approved in bankruptcy court, VHS is moving forward with personnel and transitional planning (Wesson, Riverside Press-Enterprise, 1/31).