The year is 2020; drivers are cruising around Loma Linda and they look up to see the remarkable 267 foot tall adult tower of the new Loma Linda University Medical Center. It is the second largest building in the Inland Empire equipped with a new children’s tower beside it. Inside the hospital, anything is possible and Loma Linda University Health is not only saving lives, they are continuing to meet the needs of their many patients.
The City of Loma Linda is known for its plethora of health care jobs and for its top hospital care. Standing at the forefront is Loma Linda University Health, a nonprofit corporation that has six hospitals total and is always changing the future of medicine. Back in July of 2014 they made the announcement of Vision 2020. This monumental plan is to create a new adult hospital with expanding the children’s hospital and donating to other resources. Vision 2020 is a $360 million philanthropic campaign supporting Loma Linda University Health’s vision for the future through four major areas: education, clinical care, research and wholeness. As this article was written they have raised approximately $290 million of their intended $360 million goal.
This is a big project that the workers at Loma Linda University Health cannot do alone. That is why it is amazing to see a community as strong as Loma Linda's to give so much to this beautiful project that will help millions. Rachelle Bussell, Senior Vice President for Advancement, said it is incredible to see the huge support the community is giving for this campaign.
"It’s been our privilege to serve this community for over 100 years and to see our community personally inspired by the campaign means everything to us," said Bussell. "We are truly humbled by their amazing demonstration of support. We are creating a future together to serve this community in unprecedented ways when they need care the most."
Groundbreaking of the new hospital took place in 2016 and progress has not slowed down since. Every day construction workers are at the site to make this plan a reality. For everyone’s convenience you can watch the rise of the towers by watching the construction cameras on the Vision 2020 website. The primary steel work for the podium section has completed. The podium section serves as the base of the two towers and with its completion the towers construction will start.
In the morning of July 16, 2018 the primary columns of the adult tower were set into place. Framing for both the adult and children’s tower is set to be completed by the end of the year. The adult tower will have 288 licensed beds with a future capacity of 320. There are many unique new features to this tower which will help increase quality of care and be more efficient. This new hospital's rooms will all be private to ensure patients feel comfortable and get the best care. Eric Schilt, Assistant Vice President of Construction, said the adult tower is already making history.
"It has an open core nursing concept, which is rare for California hospitals designed and permitted under OSHPD’s jurisdiction," said Schilt.
This hospital represents so much for Loma Linda. When people look up at the towers they will see hard work, dedication and love that every member of the community has put into it.
As the towers rise, the Loma Linda skyline will forever be changed. The construction marks a new era for new beginnings. As the Vision 2020 slogan clearly states, “The Campaign For a Whole Tomorrow,” ensures that each day will bring something new. Vision 2020’s donations will not only be for the hospital, but to also fund research and education. This campaign will have a great impact not just for the city of Loma Linda, but for the future of health care as well.