Redlands Community Hospital Announces Expansion and 25-Year Master Plan

Inland Empire Business Journal, Jan 01, 2001

Redlands Community Hospital has provided healthcare to communities in the East San Bernardino Valley since 1929. In recent years, the hospital has experienced a shortage of beds numerous times. Studies hive projected an increasing demand for hospital healthcare services based on population growth, aging baby boomers and longer life expectancy. Therefore, Redlands Community Hospital has developed an extensive 25-Year Master Plan to meet both the shortterm and long-term needs of the community and the hospital. Phase I begins in January, 2001.

"With the future healthcare needs of the community in mind and the aging of our buildings," stated Jim Holmes, president of Redlands Community Hospital, "it was necessary to develop a plan that addresses three areas of healthcare delivery. We need to increase the number of hospital beds, make room for the latest medical technology and equipment, and meet state regulations for seismic safety-as required of all hospitals in California."

Redlands Community Hospital has nearly outgrown its bed capacity, according to Holmes. "The hospital is currently licensed for 172 beds with an occupancy rate of 80 percent. This is a high percentage for a hospital our size."

To meet the hospital's immediate need for more beds, a transitional care unit is being converted into an acute care unit. Simultaneously, a room which once housed a hydrotherapy pool is being converted into a "discharge lounge," where patients who are dismissed at 11 a.m, but who need to wait until later in the day for a ride home, can wait comfortably. This will free up beds earlier for those patients waiting to enter the hospital for care. Other steps in the three-phase plan will include a seismic retrofit of the round tower building, construction of a new three-story building for maternal and infant services, a large five-story triangular building for patient care, and a number of other buildings, additions or remodels.

"Our 25-Year Master Plan allows us to provide a thoughtful and responsible approach to modernizing Redlands Community Hospital, to ensure that the community will continue to have the technology and quality healthcare services they expect from their community hospital," concluded Holmes.