UC San Diego Health has officially taken over Alvarado Hospital Medical Center, rebranding it as UC San Diego Health East Campus Medical Center. This change in signage marks the beginning of a new era for the medical complex, signaling its integration into the university’s Health system which has been strained by the increased demand for treatment following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The acquisition was announced on October 9, 2021, when the University of California San Diego revealed its plans to purchase the 302-bed facility from Prime Healthcare for $200 million. The transition has been underway since then, with a team of experts working diligently to hire the majority of Alvarado’s existing employees and increase the number of physicians working overnight. This includes the expansion of critical care, anesthesia, radiology, and other services.
In addition to the operational changes, UCSD plans to consolidate its psychiatric services at the hospital’s west tower, dedicating the entire building to mental Health care. The university is also working on installing its own electronic medical records system, a process that is expected to take about six months to complete.
With flu season underway and the main hospitals in La Jolla and Hillcrest experiencing high patient volumes, UCSD hopes that the East Campus Medical Center will alleviate some of the strain by serving patients living in the eastern San Diego area.
Despite the name change, patients who were previously treated at Alvarado Hospital will still be able to receive care under UC San Diego’s management. The hospital’s existing agreements with non-UCSD doctors in the community will remain valid, ensuring continuity of care for all patients.
The historic significance of this acquisition lies in the expansion of UC San Diego’s healthcare network, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of medical services in the region. As UCSD continues to grow and evolve, the integration of the East Campus Medical Center represents an important milestone in the university’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the community.
