This is part III of a series on the impact of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce over its 100 years of service to the Carlsbad community. 

In the 1950s, the north coastal region of San Diego County was rural and had few services of its own. Local community leaders knew that a modern local hospital was essential to the area’s growth. Chamber leaders from the Carlsbad Chamber joined forces with the Oceanside and Vista Chambers to promote the idea of creating a regional hospital.

In the mid 1950’s, voters elected to form the Tri-City Hospital District.  The voters also approved a bond issue to fund land purchases and construction costs. In 1961, the hospital opened its doors with 42 physicians on staff. Amid the excitement centered on Tri-City’s grand opening was a recognition that North County’s population was growing rapidly.  Almost immediately, the need to expand services was evident. 

Through the 1970s there was continual expansion of services, with additions of a helipad, cardiopulmonary lab, a 56-bed north wing, more surgical suites and a 42-bed maternity unit. The 1980’s brought more building, with a four-story wing added and existing facilities remodeled. New services were added, too, including cardiac rehabilitation, a mental health unit and a dialysis center.

By 1985, the official name of the hospital was changed to Tri-City Medical Center to reflect its growth from a “hospital” into a comprehensive, regional medical facility. As Tri-City grew, it not only expanded its services, but also its technology. Patients were able to receive modern medical services as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and an updated Emergency Department were brought on board.  

Today, Tri-City is a full-service acute care hospital with over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties.  Tri-City is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as one of the region’s largest employers as they employ over 1,700 people.  The hospital has received many awards and is home to leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in world-class women’s health, robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care.  

And Tri-City has never forgotten its local community roots. Today they partner with over 80 local non-profit and community organizations as part of their COASTAL Commitment initiative. 

Stay tuned next month as we discuss the birth of the Carlsbad Village Street Faire.