First Baby Born at the Hospital Attends Celebration
Huntington Beach Hospital, the first community hospital to be built in the City of Huntington Beach, celebrated its 50th Year Anniversary on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. The celebration began at 11:30 a.m. at the hospital’s entrance, where it all started.
Dignitaries, leaders, and staff gathered to commemorate the hospital’s accomplishments over the last 50 years. Among those in the celebration was Lance Patrick Emma, the first baby to be born at Huntington Intercommunity Hospital, as it was first known. Emma happily shared his experiences at the hospital and the city he called home. He was joined by his mother Pat Emma, and wife Angie Emma as he was recognized for being a part of the hospital’s history.
In 1967, just one day after the hospital was dedicated, the maternity unit received its first patient. As the first all-electric hospital to be constructed in Orange County, the 141-bed facility was ahead of its time. The $2.1-million-dollar facility helped transform what was then among the fastest-growing cities in the nation into an urban community.
Emma and his mother became part of the hospital’s rich history 50 years ago. “Huntington Beach Hospital is wonderful. I am really happy that it is here for us and the community,” said, Pat Emma. She was overjoyed that she had the opportunity to meet the leadership, staff, and community members that have helped Huntington Beach Hospital progress. Emma and his family were grateful to be a part of the hospital’s milestone.
In 2006, Prime Healthcare purchased Huntington Beach Hospital, which has been operating as the only not-for-profit hospital in Huntington Beach since 2013. “Our goal when we purchased Huntington Beach Hospital was to operate a quality hospital close to home for residents of the Huntington Beach area,” said Dr. Prem Reddy, MD, Chairman, President & CEO of Prime Healthcare. “Huntington Beach Hospital has a proud history and it has a strong and secure future. Congratulations to the hospital on its first 50 years and I look forward to their continuing service to the community.”
Throughout the course of Huntington Beach Hospital’s 50-year development, one thing has remained the same; the dedication and care of the employees and medical staff. Today, Huntington Beach Hospital has more than 450 employees and a medical staff of more than 200. Specialized service lines have continued to grow to include the geropsychiatric unit, behavioral health unit, emergency care, wound care, and surgical services to name a few.
Huntington Beach Hospital also recently announced its certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, an independent, non-profit organization. This collective achievement was made possible by the hospital’s patient-focused nurses, staff, and committed physicians. Every second counts when it comes to stroke care and as the only hospital in the community, this certification will provide local patients with those crucial, extra lifesaving seconds in the event of a stroke.
The hospital’s commitment to excellence is also evidenced by its 2017 ranking of Top Performing Hospitals for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This prestigious award would not have been possible without the hard work and determination of Huntington Beach Hospital’s staff and its relentless drive to provide quality care for each patient.
With over $200 million donated to the community since its founding, Huntington Beach Hospital will continue to evolve and serve the community in the best way it knows how: by providing quality, compassionate healthcare to the residents of Huntington Beach and surrounding cities.
The last 50 years have been a testament to the hard work and dedication that has been put into creating a quality, community hospital. “We are very grateful for the contributions that so many have made over the past fifty years. While we will never forget the past, we are intently focused on the future and meeting the evolving healthcare needs of Huntington Beach for the next fifty years,” said Richard M. Rowe, Pharm. D, CEO of Huntington Beach Hospital.