Alameda Health System

Alameda Health System (AHS), formerly Alameda County Medical Center (ACMC), is an integrated public health care system organized as a public hospital authority.[1]

Formerly operated by Alameda County, California, it now has an independent board of trustees appointed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. It operates 4 hospitals (Highland Hospital, John George Psychiatric Hospital, Fairmont Hospital, San Leandro Hospital) and four primary care medical clinics (called ambulatory Wellness Centers) within the County.[2] In March 2013, ACMC officially changed its name to Alameda Health System.[3]

History

The system began as the Alameda County Infirmary in 1864.[1] In the 1920s, it became the Fairmont Hospital, the first public rehabilitation center in the western United States.[1] In 1927, Highland Hospital was established.[1] In the 1960s, Ambulatory Health Care Services, a network of neighborhood-based health clinics called Wellness Centers, was established.[1] In the 1992, an acute psychiatric hospital, John George Psychiatric Pavilion, above Fairmont Hospital was opened.[1]

In the 1990s, the three hospitals, along with the Wellness Centers, were consolidated to form the Alameda County Medical Center.[1]

Throughout the 1990s, ACMC faced structural deficits resulting from changes in the American health care industry.[4] On July 11, 1996, California State Assembly Bill 2374 (AB 2374) was passed to permit Alameda County to establish a public health authority to manage, administer and control the Alameda County Medical Center.[4] On July 1, 1998, the Board of Supervisors formally handed control of ACMC to a newly formed Medical Center Hospital Authority.[5]

AHS received a $200 million bailout from Alameda County in the 1990s, and as of 2013 still owes about $130 million. In addition, a half-cent sales tax from local Measure A has provided financial relief, including $105.5 million in fiscal year, 2010-11.

A new outpatient care center, at its main location, Highland Hospital, opened in May 2013. In 2015, an acute care center is slated to open.[6]

Locations

Hospitals

Fairmont Hospital

Primary care clinics

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Our History". Alameda Health System. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
  2. ↑ http://www.alamedahealthsystem.org
  3. ↑ Woodall, Angela (10 March 2013). "ACMC changes name to Alameda Health System as Affordable Care Act reform nears". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
  4. 1 2 "BILL NUMBER: AB 2374". Official California Legislative Information. 11 July 1996. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
  5. ↑ "ALAMEDA COUNTY: Hospital Authority To Take Health Care Reins". California Healthline. 25 June 1998. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
  6. ↑

External links

Coordinates: 37°47′52″N 122°13′55″W / 37.79778°N 122.23194°W / 37.79778; -122.23194

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