The Need for the New Hospital
The state of California’s message was simple: every hospital building in the state that does not meet new earthquake resistance standards will have to be closed. When the standards were established, nearly half of the hospital buildings in the state faced rebuilding, retrofitting or closure. Loma Linda University Medical Center was one of those buildings, prompting leadership to begin a search for the most effective response. Since its opening in 1967, the Medical Center’s iconic cloverleaf tower building had come to represent the healing and teaching mission at the core of Loma Linda University Health. But building standards of the mid-1960’s meant the building would fall short of the new state requirements for acute inpatient care if a major quake occurred. Retrofitting the building seemed to be the obvious solution. But careful examination of what would be required to meet the new standards led to a difficult conclusion: the cost of a retrofit equaled what it would take to build an entirely new building. The next steps seemed clear. As the concept for a new building began to take shape, it soon became evident that rapid changes in how healthcare is practiced needed to be incorporated. By moving forward with a new acute care hospital building, Loma Linda University Health could position
itself to be a leader in what healthcare would become in the 21st century. A new building would allow for adequate space for dynamic new technology, increased staffing requirements and stronger family involvement in the healing process. A new state-of-the-art building with the latest in technology and advancements in clinical care would also be an ideal home to teach the healthcare providers in the University’s eight professional schools. Students come to Loma Linda University seeking ways to make a difference in people’s lives throughout the world. That’s what makes this place special. It’s the heart of teaching, the heart of learning. While the sheer magnitude of the project seemed daunting, clearly a new medical center facility was vital to meet the challenges of the future. For more than 100 years, Loma Linda University Health has trusted God to bless the decisions made and the projects undertaken. Today, the Dennis and Carol Troesh Medical Campus represents Loma Linda University Health’s long-term commitment to the healthcare needs of our community in the 21st century. But more importantly, it represents our commitment to following God’s leading as we continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
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