2024 has been a landmark year for UCI Health, Orange County’s only academic health system, as it transformed into one of the largest healthcare networks in California. Through strategic expansions, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to sustainability, UCI Health is bringing world-class medical care closer to the community than ever before.
A Major Expansion: The UCI Health Community Network
In March, UCI Health made history by acquiring four hospitals and associated outpatient locations from Tenet Healthcare Corporation, significantly broadening its reach. These facilities were rebranded as:
- UCI Health ― Fountain Valley
- UCI Health ― Lakewood
- UCI Health ― Los Alamitos
- UCI Health ― Placentia Linda
This acquisition added 858 beds, bringing UCI Health’s total capacity to 1,317 beds—a massive leap forward in serving more patients across the region.
“We are investing in building a healthier future for people that harnesses the power of advanced medicine with the convenience of care available close to home,” said UCI Health President and CEO Chad T. Lefteris.
UCI Health – Irvine: A $1.3 Billion Medical Complex Takes Shape
This summer marked the opening of the first two buildings at UCI Health – Irvine, a state-of-the-art medical campus under construction at Jamboree Road and Birth Streets.
1. Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care
- Opened in April 2024
- 168,000 sq. ft. facility with 120 exam rooms
- Offers pediatric and adult specialty services
- Saw 500 patients on its first day
2. Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center & Ambulatory Care Building
- Opened in July 2024
- 225,000 sq. ft., five-story facility
- A “one-stop shop” for cancer care, featuring multidisciplinary teams, diagnostics, and outpatient surgery
- Treated 160+ patients on day one
A seven-story acute care hospital is set to open in 2025, further enhancing the campus’s capabilities.
New Rehabilitation Hospital Coming in 2025
In February, UCI Health broke ground on the UCI Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Irvine, a 68,000 sq. ft., two-story facility featuring:
- 52 beds, including a specialized acquired brain injury unit
- Dialysis & imaging suites
- Advanced therapy gyms
- Outdoor recovery spaces
This stand-alone hospital will provide critical rehabilitation services when it opens next year.
Cutting-Edge Imaging & Cancer Innovations
Advanced Imaging Technology
- In August, UCI Medical Center unveiled a 19,000 sq. ft. Outpatient Imaging Center with the latest diagnostic tools.
- The second floor houses a dedicated breast health clinic, offering mammography, ultrasound, and bone density screenings.
Pioneering Cancer Treatments
- First in Southern California to offer photon-counting CT scans, delivering higher-resolution imaging in less time.
- First NCI-designated cancer center in California to provide histotripsy, a noninvasive ultrasound treatment that destroys liver tumors in a single outpatient procedure.
Award-Winning Care & Sustainability Leadership
National Recognition for Excellence
- Vizient Inc. ranked UCI Medical Center among the top 5 hospitals nationwide for quality inpatient and ambulatory care.
- Four-star Medicare rating for patient experience.
- Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Heart Failure Program from The Joint Commission.
- Baby-Friendly Hospital re-designation for outstanding maternity care.
- Gold Beacon Award for the Medical Intensive Care Unit (one of only three in California).
- 95/100 score on the Healthcare Equality Index for LGBTQ+ inclusive care.
Commitment to Sustainability
- Nation’s first all-electric Central Utilities Plant (CUP) at UCI Health – Irvine, reducing carbon emissions.
- 75% of gas-powered landscaping equipment replaced with electric alternatives at UCI Medical Center.
- Practice Greenhealth Awards, including the Emerald Award and Circle of Excellence in Climate & Energy.
A Bright Future for Healthcare in Orange County
With new hospitals, groundbreaking treatments, and a dedication to sustainability, UCI Health is setting a new standard for medical excellence in Orange County. As the system continues to grow, patients can expect more access, innovation, and compassionate care in the years ahead.
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