Bay Area/ San Jose
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Published on January 14, 2025
Santa Clara County Finalizes $150M Acquisition of Regional Medical Center to Boost East San José HealthcareSource: County of Santa Clara

In a significant stride towards reinvigorating healthcare access in East San José, Santa Clara County has reached a definitive agreement to purchase Regional Medical Center (RMC) from HCA Healthcare, incorporating it into the Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) system at a price tag of $150 million. As per the Santa Clara County News, the transition is expected to be completed by April 1, following customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals required by the state.

The acquisition heralds the return of vital emergency and specialty health services, including the immediate restoration of Level II trauma care once the County assumes operations. Following a downgrading of services at RMC by HCA Healthcare in August 2024, the County also aims to reintroduce STEMI and comprehensive stroke services shortly thereafter, as well as Labor and Delivery services at a future date. Once praised for its healthcare delivery, RMC had its trauma center downgraded, resulting in cascading impacts on the Valley Medical Center and other facilities county-wide, per President Susan Ellenberg's remarks shared by Santa Clara County News.

RMC, a 258-bed hospital, has been a staple in East San José's healthcare landscape for over six decades. Under HCA's tenure, the hospital received investments to foster greater access and adapt to the evolving medical needs of the community, as well as meet California's seismic safety standards. Its historical performance saw it ranked amongst America’s top 250 hospitals by Healthgrades for three years. When asked about the acquisition, County Executive James R. Williams told Santa Clara County News, “Restoring RMC’s previous levels of care, including lifesaving trauma services, and incorporating it into the County’s excellent healthcare system will improve care for those living in East San José and our broader community.”