Heritage Snapshot: Part 249

LOMA LINDA>> Loma Linda University Medical Center — Murrieta, a five-story, $280.8 million, 265,000-square-foot, 106-bed hospital, opened on April 15, 2011. It now serves the fast-growing region encompassing the seven cities of Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Sun City, Perris, Menifee and surrounding communities. Loma Linda University Medical Center and Physicians Group of Murrieta, LLC, a consortium of 70 physicians from southwest Riverside County, developed the facility on a 44-acre campus along Interstate 215, at the northeast corner of Antelope and Baxter Roads, in Murrieta, 38 miles from Loma Linda. The project initially started in a conversation between Murrieta Drs. Jay Ferns and John Piconi, when one of them suggested that they build their own hospital. A core group of local physicians raised $12.5 million to begin the project and then gathered another $5 million from 51 generous families and community investors. By 2005, the Loma Linda University Medical Center board of trustees had already concluded that while the Murrieta-Temecula valley was an attractive potential service area, it could not invest in a hospital facility without having local-physician support. In December of 2005, LLUMC administration learned that the group of local physicians in the area was planning to build their own hospital, and in January of 2006 contacted Dr. Piconi, a retired urologist and leader of the group, to explore the possibilities of a joint venture. The doctor had practiced in the area for 30 years, and was known as an honest man of great passion, integrity, and strong convictions that a third hospital was needed in that underserved area. Loma Linda University Medical Center had never partnered with a group of community physicians to build a new hospital before, but, because the timing was perfect and the needs great, LLUMC administrators agreed. Participants discussed possible organizational structures that would be mutually satisfying for both groups; that would meet the needs of their respective values and philosophies. Multiple meetings were held over the next year and a half with discussions including legal counsel. The Medical Center's board of trustees discussed business strategies, service opportunities, and risks. One of the advantages was the fact that about 20 to 25 percent of the Murrieta group were graduates of Loma Linda University, or former resident physicians of the Medical Center, who already had an understanding and appreciation for Loma Linda. Another benefit was the fact that LLUMC enjoys an excellent reputation in the area, a feeling that pervades the community. The physician-investors also appreciated the fact that they would be able to affiliate with a university medical center with an impeccable reputation. Carefully crafted transactions were completed in June 2007. Civic leaders and elected officials were very supportive and went out of their way to help navigate all the red-tape issues that can bog down such a project. The Medical Center engaged Layton Construction, and Frauenshuh HealthCare, both national firms, to build the hospital and nearby medical office building, totaling 290,000 square feet. At the May 21, 2009 “topping off” ceremony, marking the half-way point in construction, then Murrieta Mayor Gary Thomasian said, “Loma Linda is recognized as a worldwide leader in providing health care. This means our community will have world-class medical service.” However, in March 2010, new federal legislation eliminated physician investment in hospitals where they referred patients. Despite much appreciated exemption efforts by United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, the US Senate Finance Committee took a firm position opposing physician investment in hospitals. In the course of time, the physician-investors were bought out, as was the initial development company. Originally named Physicians Hospital Murrieta, unanimous results from focus groups conducted in the area by the Medical Center's marketing team resulted in naming the facility Loma Linda University Medical Center—Murrieta. It is now a full-service, 106-bed hospital with six operating rooms, a 19-bay emergency department, and heliport. If necessary, in time, a Phase II expansion will increase the bed capacity to 250. Loma Linda University Medical Center has already increased the campus from 26 acres to 44. On Feb. 4, 2011, at the opening ceremony attended by 800 regional, state, and federal officials, Bucky Weeks, community liaison for the project, opened the ceremonies with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane explained the financial impact the new facility would have on the region as a big economic-development boon for the corridor. Dr. Piconi, Chair, board of trustees and Dr. Jeff Conners, Chief of Staff shared their vision for creating a community hospital with world-class medical services in the Murrieta area. To illustrate local interest, on Feb. 6, 2011, the new hospital was prepared to host 2,000 visitors at a public open house. Even though it was Super Bowl Sunday, 10,000 showed up. Tour participants saw that the new hospital meshes faith and healing. Loma Linda University’s motto, “To Make Man Whole,” covers a wall of the lobby and echoes the facility’s philosophy. At the entrance, a life-size bronze sculpture by Colorado artist Victor Issa, titled “Come Unto Me,” depicts a seated Jesus flanked by children, an adult, and pets. According to Kathryn Stiles, director of marketing and communication, prayer and faith played key roles in the hospital’s quick opening and that success will play out further with its future health and economic benefits.