Advisory panel to review Eden Medical Center report

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Dec 13, 2008 | by Kristofer Noceda

CASTRO VALLEY -- Plans to build a new hospital to replace the aging Eden Medical Center are expected to move one step closer during Monday's Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council meeting.

Members of the panel are expected to review a draft environmental impact report, or EIR, related to the proposed construction of a new complex that would comply with California's seismic safety law.

"We are very excited to get to this point, as it has been a long time to get (the EIR) out," said George Bischalaney, Eden Medical Center's president and chief executive. "We look forward to comments and feedback from the community and MAC."

The project is in response to a Jan. 1, 2013, deadline for all hospitals in the state to meet specific construction criteria that would protect buildings from the effects of major earthquakes.

Sutter Health, which would foot the nearly $400 million construction bill, hopes to fast-track the project after approvals are granted. Sutter owns and operates the current eight-story, 176- bed Eden Medical Center built in 1953 on Lake Chabot Road.

Plans show the proposed seven-story hospital would feature 130 beds -- 90 medical and surgical, 24 critical-care and 16 maternity - - with all rooms private.

In addition, a separate 40-bed "universal care unit" on one floor would include areas for pre-admittance testing, laboratory services, pre- and post-surgery care, emergency room overflow, and some radiation and cardiology services.

The new hospital would be built into a hillside slope on the northwest side of the current medical center, closer to Stanton Avenue. It would also continue existing emergency, trauma, neuroscience, maternity and acute-care services.

The report to be discussed by council members is required by law and looks into any negative impacts that construction may have on the environment, Bischalaney said.

Council members also plan to hear a report from the East Bay Municipal Utility District regarding a water shortage.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Monday in the Castro Valley Unified School District boardroom at 4400 Alma Ave.

Staff writer Karen Holzmeister contributed to this report. Reach Kristofer Noceda at 510-293-2479 or knoceda@bayareanewsgroup.com.