Complete with cake being served under a large white tent, officials gathered Friday to celebrate a “historic” new era of the Los Alamitos Medical Center following more than a half-century of service to the community.
As ENE was among the first to report weeks ago, Los Alamitos Medical Center was one of the four hospitals acquired by UCI Health from Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare in a transaction just shy of $1 billion.
The transaction closed on March 28 and as such, UCI Health officials spent the week cutting the ribbons and sharing its vision at each of its new hospitals, the last of which was Los Alamitos Medical on Friday.
“I’m excited for a new beginning and transformation to infinite possibilities we have now as a result of UCI Health Medical Center,” said Los Alamitos CEO Kent Clayton. He welcomed the large gathering of healthcare professionals, physicians, elected officials, board officials, etc. to the event.
“I thank you today for sharing our excitement as we launch into this new chapter,” he said.
Local community officials joined UCI Health executives for the ribbon cutting on the “next generation” of Los Al Medical.
Opening first in 1968, the hospital was purchased by Tenet Healthcare in 2010, making it then a part of a broader strategy to expand its network of hospitals.
Los Al Medical is one of four hospitals that this week became part of UCI Health, one of the nation’s top-tier healthcare networks.
Clayton reflected on the many changes he’s seen within the institution since he became CEO a decade ago.
“Ten years ago, we were celebrating the opening of our new medical office building and the six-story parking structure at that time,” said Clayton, “we had plans to further expand our facility and significant plans to raise the bar about how we serve our community,” he said.
“I’m proud of our accomplishments to strengthen key service lines in neurology, cardiovascular oncology, and surgical services as a team,” he said, adding that “we survived the pandemic.”
“We’re now part of a healthcare family that’s local, that prioritizes access and evidence based medical care to the community, that invests in the resources, equipment and physical plant to support our mission and provide the friendliest care,” he added.
“They also invest in people like you and me, and your role in all these things in our challenging and oftentimes frustrating profession,” noted Clayton.
“Most of you are aware of how impressive and cutting-edge UCI health is locally and worldwide…how Los Alamitos leaving some limits is kept to a certain degree and our ability to grow. Now I see great potential for us as part of UCI Health,” the CEO said.
Now, he said, it “becomes much more rewarding, just like we envisioned it.”
Dr. Greg Kimura, Chief of the Medical Staff and VP of the Govening Board, is a 32-year resident physician. “I’ve seen this hospital make many innovations to improve the health care of this community,” he said.
“I’ve never seen a better-quality collaboration between the medical staff and administration and going after our goal of great health care for this community,” the longtime physician said.
“We have a wonderful history serving this community. We have a lot of special people and a special culture here that I’m sure UCI does also. This union of us with UCI Health is really historic.”
Mayor Jordan Nefulda welcomed UCI Health on behalf of the Council and citizens.
“I would like to say thank you to the team and everybody that worked to make this a reality,” the mayor said.
“For over 50 years, Los Alamitos Medical Center has continued to expand its services, adapted to the changing landscapes of our city and continued to provide excellent service not only to Los Alamitos, but also to surrounding communities.
“This hospital truly is a cornerstone, and one of the most critical aspects of our infrastructure that our residents and this region relies upon on a daily basis,” said Nefulda.
“I know that UCI Health has a terrific reputation for providing excellent care,” he said.
The hospital has long been one of the city’s largest single employers.
(L-R) Chad Lefteris, CEO of UCI Health, Los Al Mayor Jordan Nefulda and Los Al Medical Center CEO Kent Clayton during a presentation ceremony.
Chad Lefteris, whose vision since being named Chief Executive Officer of UCI Health in 2020 has transformed the academic health organization now ranks in the top tier of national healthcare networks.
“We are truly excited to bring the power of academic medicine, with the brightest minds, innovations, understanding patient relationships and service,” said Lefteris.
“Our future offers a very unique opportunity to blend those strengths, share our knowledge and enhance our overall capabilities insuring individuals access to healthcare,” he said.
To the relief of many employees since the acquisition was announced, Lefteris said not a single employee at any of the four facilities would be impacted.
“Our five hospitals and dozens of ambulatory facilities enhance our overall capabilities insuring individuals access to care,” he pronounced.
Now with a healthcare work force of more than 12,000 employees, Lefteris said UCI Health’s academic health model would begin sharing that knowledge to innovate and improve the quality of care.
“Together, we are deeply committed to partnering with physicians and patients by listening and learning,” he said.
“As we look to the future, we’re here to collaborate, learn from one another to grow and build together,” said Lefteris. “We are deeply committed to partnering with the community of physicians and patients by listening and learning. We are a learning organization, working to collectively address the health needs and improve them.”
He thanked Clayton and the entire team at Los Al Medical for their “leadership and dedication” and commitment to health care.
“It is your leadership together with the dedication that lays the groundwork for our historic future together,” said Lefteris.
“Your commitment to the community and healthcare excellence inspires us all as we’re learning and underscores the potential of what I think we can achieve together,” the visionary leader told the large crowd huddled together under the tent.
Following the ceremony, representatives of the city, the Los Al Chamber as well as local Assembly and Congressional office holders presented resolutions of support to UCI Health officials.
“Now,” said Lefteris, “the real work begins.”