Press Releases: Southern California
May 14, 2008
Kaiser Permanente Orange County Opens New Hospital in Irvine
IRVINE, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente Orange County-Irvine Medical Center is opening it doors at 10 a.m. today, making it the first new hospital to be built in the Irvine area in more than a decade. Designed with the patient in mind, this spacious, 434,000 square foot medical center combines advanced technology with a personal touch.
The $254 million hospital is based on a new "template" design that represents the next generation of Kaiser Permanente facilities. Its design allows for enhanced flexibility to accommodate changing practices and technologies, such as the addition of "green" features to the building. Themed artwork, some from local artists, decorates the walls throughout the medical center.
All patient rooms are private with an acoustic design that reduces noise. Warm colors and natural light in every patient's room enhance comfort and healing. A family-friendly environment offers pullout beds for overnight stays and wireless Internet access, amenities which enhance the overall care experience.
The new facility incorporates advanced technology at every opportunity. Kaiser Permanente's electronic medical record system is accessible by computer terminals next to each bed and at nursing stations, allowing providers to retrieve essential medical information at the touch of a finger. Sophisticated imaging systems improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. The eight operating rooms contain state-of-the-art equipment with high-resolution monitors, giving surgeons access to digital images while performing surgeries.
The hospital's labor and delivery suites have a home-like setting yet contain all of the equipment needed to assist with labor, non-surgical delivery and recovery. The neonatal intensive care unit is nearby, ready to care for those young patients who require an additional level of care.
"This state-of-the-art, high-tech facility is a beautiful addition to the community, and after several years in design and construction, we are thrilled to be able to open our doors," said Julie Miller-Phipps, senior vice president and executive director. "With a second medical center in Orange County, we are now better able to serve our members and the community."
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is America's leading integrated health plan. Founded in 1945, it is a nonprofit, group practice prepayment program with Southern California headquarters in Pasadena, California. Kaiser Permanente serves the health care needs of 3.3 million members in Southern California. Today it encompasses the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and the for-profit Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Kaiser Permanente's Southern California Region includes more than 49,900 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers, and more than 6,000 physicians representing all specialties. More information about Kaiser Permanente can be found at kaiserpermanente.org.
