The institution has acted as a one-stop shop for access to medical care in specialty fields.
Published on: 06-24-2022
As Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus approaches 40 years of operation, we celebrate the rapid breakthroughs and developments made to serve the community. East Campus has acted as a one-stop shop for patients’ access to medical care and experts in specialty fields. Its growth throughout the decades has been indispensable to transforming lives through education, health care, and research. Here’s a look back.
1982
Loma Linda University Medical Center purchased the tight-knit Loma Linda Community Hospital following its 10 years of service to the community. It later became known as East Campus.
1991 to 2000
Prior to the 1982 purchase, the community hospital primarily treated inpatients. Increased growth in outpatient care influenced the need for additional beds and storage space. An addition of sixty beds served sub-acute patients whose health conditions classified them between outpatient and acute inpatient levels of care.
In 2000, the PossAbilities program was developed in response to the need for a continuum of care for our patients and their families after a lengthy hospital stay or a traumatic accident.
2005 to 2010
Loma Linda University Health began the expansion of East Campus for orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and family medicine services. The project included extra clinic office space, a newly renovated 37-bed (now 45-bed) rehabilitation unit, ancillary support space, an MRI/CT/PET imaging center, and a park with playground equipment for children in wheelchairs.
In 2010, the Tom & Vi Zapara Rehabilitation Pavilion opened, adding 24 additional rehabilitation inpatient beds, all in private rooms. The 30,000-square-foot (2,787-square-meter) hospital addition was the first rehabilitation facility in the “Inland Empire” of Southern California designed for an evidence-based healing environment, including its connection to nature, access to social support, elimination of environmental stressors, and positive distractions.
2011 to 2022
The Neuropathy Therapy Program opened its doors at Outpatient Rehabilitation Center in 2011 and moved to its current location at Pro Plaza in 2017.
Also in 2017, the Advanced Neuro Recovery Center opened at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. The center treats neurological conditions and cognitive impairments with robotic technology to help patients recover strength, flexibility, and movement in their hands, arms, and shoulders.
East Campus has been recognized with eight consecutive “A” safety ratings from The Leapfrog Group and was one of only two California hospitals in 2020 to receive The Leapfrog Group’s Top Teaching Hospital Award.
In 2021 Loma Linda University Health was named Best Physical Rehab Center by Newsweek and is recognized by U.S. World & News Report as a “High Performing” facility for various services offered at East Campus to include neurology, neurosurgery, and orthopaedics.
Future of East Campus
Several facilities will be constructed or expanded in the coming years:
Brain Tumor Center
The Brain Tumor Center is slated to begin construction in July 2022 and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2023.
Sterile Processing Department Expansion
As Loma Linda University Health serves the growing community, facility administrators are seeking ways to add extra needed space and equipment for efficient workflow. The expansion of the SPD is currently in the design phase and will help keep up with the demands of the growing number of operating room cases.
Fluoroscopy Imaging Suite
The previously used CT room and some adjacent spaces are being remodeled into a modernized fluoroscopy imaging suite. This project will include an imaging room, restroom/changing room, storage room, and a prep room.
“The future remains bright because our people, purpose, and planning all focus on providing the best possible care each day,” Trevor Wright, CEO of Loma Linda University Health Hospitals, said.
Forty years have passed since the establishment of Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus. It will continue to be propelled by its values of unwavering mission and opportunities for service.
The original version of this release was posted on the Loma Linda University Health news site.
Molly Smith, Loma Linda University Health News
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