July 16 is a special day for Tri-City Medical Center. That's the day that the regional hospital turns 50. Opened in 1961 to serve what was then a rural and under-serviced North County, Tri City Medical Center””s history has run parallel to the growth and development of the region. What was once an 87-bed hospital with 42 physicians on staff now has 500 physicians in 60 specialties. Together, they care for more than 27,000 patients a year, which equals about 50 patients a day. It also delivers more than 3,000 babies a year. To mark its golden anniversary, Tri-City Medical Center has been holding several events. For more information, go to www.tricitymed.org. Below is an overview of the center through the decades.
1950s
Political and business leaders from Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista come together to create a regional hospital. Voters approve the formation of the Tri-City Hospital District, as well as approving a bond issue to pay for land and construction.
1960s
The hospital opens its doors on July 16, 1961 with 42 physicians on staff. The need for expansion is seen almost immediately, since North County's population was in the midst of dramatic growth. The Friends of Tri-City Hospital, later renamed the Tri-City Hospital Foundation, formed in 1964 to launch philanthropic efforts for the hospital.
1970s
The hospital adds a heliopad, a cardiopulmonary lab, a 46-bed tower and a 56-bed north wing, more surgical suites and a 42-bed maternity ward. The hospital's bed count now stands at 231.
1980s
The hospital undergoes more construction, including the addition of a four-story wing, as well as a remodel of the existing buildings. The name change to Tri-City Medical Center, a reflection of the hospital's growth into a regional center, takes place in 1985. The center performs its first heart surgeries. The center now includes a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as well as a more modern emergency department.
1990s
The medical center continues to expand and adds new technology and services. The emergency department undergoes an expansion with the addition of an outpatient surgery center. The Beatrice Riggs French Women's Center is established, as well as the Stroke Screening Community Outreach Program. The hospital in recognized as a Top 100 hospital for three years in a row.
2000s
Expansion of the primary medical campus and new community outreach programs continue to push the medical center forward. Among the new additions are the Cardiac Wellness Center, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, the Edgar & Jo Anne Jones Women's Diagnostic Center, the John S. Midlekauf Outpatient Radiology Center (which features a 64-slice CT scanner) and an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and an expansion and renovation to the emergency department.
The Future
The medical center plans to expand critical facilities and invest in new technologies. The center recently opened the Cardiovascular Health Institute and plans to open the Cancer Institute, the Orthopedic Institute and a new medical office building this year.
1950s
Political and business leaders from Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista come together to create a regional hospital. Voters approve the formation of the Tri-City Hospital District, as well as approving a bond issue to pay for land and construction.
1960s
The hospital opens its doors on July 16, 1961 with 42 physicians on staff. The need for expansion is seen almost immediately, since North County's population was in the midst of dramatic growth. The Friends of Tri-City Hospital, later renamed the Tri-City Hospital Foundation, formed in 1964 to launch philanthropic efforts for the hospital.
1970s
The hospital adds a heliopad, a cardiopulmonary lab, a 46-bed tower and a 56-bed north wing, more surgical suites and a 42-bed maternity ward. The hospital's bed count now stands at 231.
1980s
The hospital undergoes more construction, including the addition of a four-story wing, as well as a remodel of the existing buildings. The name change to Tri-City Medical Center, a reflection of the hospital's growth into a regional center, takes place in 1985. The center performs its first heart surgeries. The center now includes a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as well as a more modern emergency department.
1990s
The medical center continues to expand and adds new technology and services. The emergency department undergoes an expansion with the addition of an outpatient surgery center. The Beatrice Riggs French Women's Center is established, as well as the Stroke Screening Community Outreach Program. The hospital in recognized as a Top 100 hospital for three years in a row.
2000s
Expansion of the primary medical campus and new community outreach programs continue to push the medical center forward. Among the new additions are the Cardiac Wellness Center, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, the Edgar & Jo Anne Jones Women's Diagnostic Center, the John S. Midlekauf Outpatient Radiology Center (which features a 64-slice CT scanner) and an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and an expansion and renovation to the emergency department.
The Future
The medical center plans to expand critical facilities and invest in new technologies. The center recently opened the Cardiovascular Health Institute and plans to open the Cancer Institute, the Orthopedic Institute and a new medical office building this year.