Palomar Health board to consider transitioning health care services

SAN DIEGO – To continue providing high-quality patient care in the communities it serves, the Palomar Health board of directors is considering the shift of services from the Palomar Health Downtown Campus in Escondido to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido and Pomerado Hospital in Poway. A special board meeting to consider the recommendation from the leadership team is scheduled for June 24.

As the health care industry adjusts to the future state including Triple Aim (goals of access, quality, cost), new legislation, increasing costs and declining reimbursement, Palomar Health and its board of directors are proactively preparing for the future by reviewing a proposed plan that will better meet the long-term health care needs of the community.

Informative conversations with staff, patients and community members are being held as part of the process. “We believe everyone in our service area deserves access to the best facilities and care available,” said Linda Greer, Palomar Health board of director chairwoman. “As we consider this recommendation, we also want to make an informed and appropriate decision so Palomar Health can continue to put patient needs first by providing the highest-quality clinical care to the communities it serves, now and for generations to come.”

The plan for the shift of services would include transitioning inpatient rehabilitation and labor and delivery services to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido and increasing the services already provided at Pomerado Hospital in Poway. This consolidation will allow for additional efficiencies and cost savings that could be reinvested in patient care throughout the system.

Members of the community are invited to attend community conversations to be informed of the proposed plan on Monday, June 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at California Center for the Arts, Salon 5 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido and on Tuesday, June 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pomerado Hospital Conference Room C/D, Third Floor 15615 Pomerado Road, Poway.

For more information about the community conversations and proposed transitioning of services from the Downtown Campus to Palomar Medical Center and Pomerado Hospital, visit PalomarHealth.org/OurFuture.