The re-opening of Regional Medical Center as a Level II trauma center marks a significant victory for community advocates in East San Jose who fought against its closure by HCA Healthcare. The hospital's previous owners had planned to shut down vital services, leading to community protests and calls for intervention from state officials. After intense advocacy, HCA chose to downgrade the facility rather than completely close it. With the $150 million acquisition by the county, the center aims to improve emergency care accessibility, responding to the critical healthcare needs in the region.
Dr. Gloria Jimenez, who has worked at Regional Medical Center for the last six years, volunteered to be the trauma surgeon on the very first shift when the doors opened at noon. Walking through the hallways this morning, it was like coming home, seeing all the staff and feeling the energy and seeing all of you here to commemorate this momentous occasion, Jimenez told a crowd of medical professionals, county officials and other first responders who had gathered in the hospital's main lobby.
While community leaders celebrated the re-opening, they also acknowledged the ongoing need for accessible medical services and the fight against for-profit healthcare models. The concern remains whether this acquisition will truly enhance patient outcomes or if it will be simply a cosmetic change.
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