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 five hospitals (Alameda Hospital, Fairmont Hospital, Highland Hospital, John George Psychiatric Hospital, and 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. ↑

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

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