Our District has embarked on a Facility Expansion Plan.. This plan realistically addresses our current and future needs.

By Marcelo R. Rivera, M.D.

Our District has embarked on a Facility Expansion Plan. This plan realistically addresses our current and future needs.

The Health District serves the communities of San Marcos, Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Ramona, Julian, Warner Springs, Santa Ysabel, Ranchita, Borrego Springs, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, and Valley Center, part of Vista, Carlsbad, Mira Mesa and sections along Scripps Poway Parkway. This represents about 850 sq. miles and the Trauma Service extends beyond this to 1400 sq. miles.

This facility plan will double the number of Emergency Rooms, Critical Care Rooms, Trauma Care capacity, increase hospital bed capacity by 70% and build Community Urgent Care/After Hours Centers in various communities.

Currently, Palomar-Pomerado Health District is beyond capacity. The Emergency Room system was designed for 50,000 annual patient visits per year and currently is handling over 80,000 patient visits per year. This lack of capacity will increase in the next ten to fifteen years, making it increasingly difficult to handle the needs of the community. The population of the Hospital District's service area is predicted to increase by 35-40% from the current population of approximately 500,000 people. In the 1400 sq. miles of the Trauma Care service area; this predicted increase will mean the Health System will have to meet the needs of over 1.2 million people in a system that is already beyond capacity.

The next four years will be crucial and challenging. The Hospital District Board will need experienced leadership to help guide it through its next phase of development. I want to continue to serve on the Board as your representative. I am asking for your help and support in my bid for re-election. With your help, we can continue the momentum toward excellence!