John Friel was 46 when he first came to save Watsonville Community Hospital in 1991 as CEO tasked with helping to rebuild after the Loma Prieta earthquake. Friel died on March 21 at 79 after battling an illness.
Watsonville Community Hospital
Posted inHealth & Wellness
‘This is a big loss’: John Friel, former Watsonville hospital CEO and health care district chair, passes away
John Friel, a former Watsonville Community Hospital CEO and district board chairman, died Thursday after battling illness. He was 79. Hospital leaders say his passing is a “big loss.”
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Measure N: Watsonville Community Hospital’s $116 million bond passes
Measure N, Watsonville Community Hospital’s $116 million bond, passed on Tuesday, after the release of results from Santa Cruz County. A combined total of 68.2% voters in both Santa Cruz and Monterey counties supported the measure.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
‘Crossing our fingers’: Watsonville hospital leaders eye slim lead on bond measure as vote count continues
Watsonville Community Hospital leaders say they’re holding their breath as they wait for the final votes to be counted for Measure N, the $116 million bond measure in Tuesday’s election. The approval rate was 68.15% heading into Friday’s vote update from the Santa Cruz County Clerk.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Two-thirds and apathy’: Watsonville hospital’s Measure N faces uphill battle at the ballot box
Measure N seeks to implement a new tax and raise $116 million for publicly owned Watsonville Community Hospital; however, the campaign will need to rely on the support of a voter base that struggles to turn out.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Take a look inside Watsonville’s hospital as community weighs support for $116M bond
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District is asking voters to approve Measure N, a $116 million bond to replace Watsonville Community Hospital’s aging infrastructure and to purchase the hospital’s building and land it sits on. Community members told Lookout what they think about its potential impacts.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Vote yes on N for a healthier, more equitable Pajaro Valley and support for Watsonville Community Hospital
Pajaro Valley community leaders explain the benefits of Measure N, which would increase property taxes modestly to raise $116 million for Watsonville Community Hospital.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital looks to stabilize finances with plans for $116M bond
Since the Pajaro Valley Health Care District took ownership of Watsonville Community Hospital in September 2022, it has significantly reduced losses. New CEO Stephen Gray says adding new services, upgrading equipment and $116 million from a potential bond will continue pushing the hospital onto a sustainable path.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Former Watsonville Community Hospital owners siphoned $4 million for personal use, bankruptcy trustee alleges
In a lawsuit filed this month, the trustee managing the bankruptcy of the former owners of Watsonville Community Hospital alleges that three of the hospital’s previous executives transferred nearly $4 million in consulting and management fees, travel and living expenses and other illegitimate payments from the hospital to themselves and close associates.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Watsonville Community Hospital, nurses union reach tentative agreement
Following months of tense negotiations for a new contract, Watsonville Community Hospital and its nurses reached a tentative deal that includes a 10% pay hike and more part-time positions. The Pajaro Valley Health Care District board will vote this week to ratify it.