The new Diagnostic Imaging Center provides advanced medical equipment for the region
Facility made possible in part by a $5 million investment from UnitedHealth Group’s California Health Care Investment Program
FORT BRAGG, Calif. (May 6, 2011) – Mendocino Coast District Hospital today opened its state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging Center, the newly constructed 8,000-square-foot facility that will provide the most advanced equipment in the region for CT scans, MRIs, bone density testing and mammography. The announcement was made at a public ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local and state government officials, equipment representatives, planners, hospital employees and the public.
The start of patient care in the Center is pending final state inspections expected before mid-June.
“All of us at Mendocino Coast District Hospital are thrilled by the establishment of the new Diagnostic Imaging Center and the quality medical care it will provide to our community,” said Raymond T. Hino, CEO, Mendocino Coast District Hospital (MCDH). “The opening of this center further cements our hospital as a key provider of quality health care for residents in this region and ushers in a new era of advanced medicine.”
MCDH serves the rural community of Mendocino County, offering comprehensive medical/surgical services and providing facilities for many specialty practices including oncology, cardiology, obstetrics and wellness. The 25-bed acute care hospital is a member of the American Hospital Association, the Association of California Hospital Districts and California Hospital Association.
“Mendocino Coast District Hospital is a vital piece of the Fort Bragg community. This new facility will add to the already comprehensive care offerings of the hospital as it continues to provide care in our community with the latest innovations in health care,” said state Assemblyman Wes Chesbro, D-Mendocino.
“The opening of the Diagnostic Imagine Center is very exciting for the advanced medical care it will bring as well as for patients who will no longer have to go over the hill for these types of tests,” said Fort Bragg Mayor Dave Turner.
The new facility was made possible in part by a $5 million investment from UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), which purchased the hospital’s tax-exempt revenue bonds through the California Health Care Investment Program, a 20-year, $200 million commitment to health care organizations that provide services to underserved, low-income and underinsured communities and populations throughout the Golden State. Other supporters include individual donors, Mendocino Cast Hospital Foundation and Toshiba.
“UnitedHealth Group is very proud to be able to support the work of the Mendocino Coast District Hospital,” said William Olson, M.D., senior medical director, UnitedHealthcare of California. “UnitedHealth Group is committed to investing in California’s hospitals and infrastructure to help maintain a high standard of patient care across the Golden State.”
About Mendocino District Coast Hospital
MCDH is a 25-bed critical access rural hospital with 24-hour emergency care, obstetrics, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, lab, physical and occupational therapy and outpatient and orthopedic surgery. The hospital and its affiliated primary care practice, the North Coast Family Health Center, provide care to some 25,000 residents along Mendocino Coast in Northern California. HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization, published a study in December showing that Mendocino Coast District Hospital is among the top 10% in the nation and #1 in Mendocino, Lake and Humboldt Counties with a 5-star rating for total hip replacement.
About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making health care work better. With headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn., UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through six operating businesses: UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, UnitedHealthcare Community & State, OptumHealth, Ingenix and Prescription Solutions. Through its family of businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves more than 75 million people worldwide. Visit www.unitedhealthgroup.com for more information.