Centinela Hospital Medical Center, serving the healthcare needs of the
working class communities of Inglewood, Hawthorne, Compton, Lynwood and
the South Bay, is starting an ambitious seismic re-construction and renovation
program which will enhance its ability to provide nationally recognized
care to these underserved constituencies.
The hospital, a 369 bed acute care facility, was acquired by Prime Healthcare
Services in 2007 when the hospital was in severe financial distress and
threatened with bankruptcy. Since this acquisition, Prime Healthcare has
infused over $33 million in infrastructure improvements to Centinela Hospital
including information systems, equipment upgrades and facility upgrades.
These have had a dramatic impact on the level of care provided to the
community. The hospital was recently named a 2012 100 Top Hospital award
winner by the prestigious Thomson Reuters organization. Thomson Reuters
has also recognized Prime Healthcare Services as one of the 15 Top Health
Systems in the nation based on quality of care, efficiency and patient
satisfaction. This is the second time in four years that Prime Healthcare
has earned this national distinction.
Now, in compliance with SB1953, the hospital is embarking on a seismic
retrofit project which will also include the expansion of the emergency
department to 60 beds and the renovation of patient care and public areas.
The increase in the size of the emergency department is vital as over
60,000 patients come through its doors annually.
Drilling recently began in front of the West Tower of the hospital. In
this first phase, "Tubex piles" will be drilled between 50 and
60 feet down and filled with concrete. These piles will then be connected
via shear walls to the main hospital providing a solid structure which
will meet and exceed State of California earthquake codes.
Linda Bradley, CEO of Centinela Hospital states, "We are looking forward
to the campus improvements which in addition to the seismic upgrade, will
include; a new emergency power plant and electrical upgrades; an expanded
and remodeled Emergency Department; a new Clinical Laboratory and remodeled
Physical Therapy area; a new 8th floor nursery and a new physician dining room.
Great care and planning has been taken to ensure that patient care issues
remain a top priority during construction. Additional information on construction
projects will be communicated to all patients, visitors and employees
as it becomes available.