In a major move to shore up local healthcare, Santa Clara County has completed its $150 million purchase of the Regional Medical Center (RMC) in East San José. As of today, the County officially took over operations of the 258-bed hospital, renowned for its six decades of service as a primary emergency healthcare provider in the region. The County's acquisition from HCA Healthcare promises to restore and improve crucial health services to the community.
The transition, marked by swift and decisive action from the County, was informed by an outcry for reinstating vital services previously curtailed. "We are very excited to be welcoming Regional Medical Center into the County’s nationally recognized public hospital system," County Executive James R. Williams told Santa Clara County News. Efforts to directly counter the previous removal of comprehensive stroke, STEMI cardiac care, and Level II trauma services aim to alleviate the strain on other regional hospitals rapidly. The County has also signaled the return of Labor and Delivery services in the foreseeable future.
The move is being heralded as a commitment to healthcare equity. Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee told Santa Clara County News, "We made a commitment last year to protect vital healthcare services, re-establishing heart attack and STEMI services, stroke support, and all level 2 trauma healthcare at Regional Medical Center." Local leaders expressed relief and optimism, as echoed by County Supervisor Betty Duong, who highlighted the restoration of RMC's critical services as a long-due aid for the residents of East San José.
With RMC historically treating around one-quarter of all trauma cases in Santa Clara County, the hospital's integration into Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) marks a strategic step to bolster regional healthcare infrastructure. According to Hoodline, the acquisition went through standard closing conditions and got the requisite regulatory nods. Supervisor Sylvia Arenas praised the move, stating, per Santa Clara County News, "This community—rich in culture and resilience—has long faced disparities in access to trauma care, stroke response, and maternal health. By bringing RMC into the County system, we are restoring and expanding vital services where they are needed most."
Further celebrating the acquisition, over 98% of Regional Medical Center's workforce will continue serving their community, but now, they are employees of SCVH. The established Santa Clara Valley Healthcare now operates the fourth hospital within its network, enjoining Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, O’Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital, and 15 Valley Health Center clinics throughout the county.
