After millions in annual losses under for-profit management, Watsonville Community Hospital recorded its first month of positive cash flow in years in October as it transitions to public ownership. Next moves include establishing a charitable foundation to help continue the community fundraising that was crucial in making that transition happen.
Watsonville Community Hospital
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Pajaro Valley Health Care District voters to decide who will lead hospital out of financial uncertainty, build relationships
Three candidates are vying for two seats on the board of trustees for the newly formed Pajaro Valley Health Care District — the district that now owns and operates the Watsonville Community Hospital. The board is made up of five members; the three other seats will have elections in two years.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville Community Hospital invites public to ceremony celebrating local ownership
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District successfully purchased the Watsonville Community Hospital out of bankruptcy in August, ending two decades of for-profit ownership. The hospital is inviting the public to celebrate the individuals and organizations that helped make it happen and continue to help in its transition.
Posted inEvents, Watsonville / Pajaro
‘We should be perceived as a brand-new team’: CEO Steven Salyer outlines next steps for Watsonville hospital
After 20 years of struggling under for-profit ownership, Watsonville Community Hospital has returned to public hands as of Thursday. The Pajaro Valley Health Care District board and CEO Steven Salyer say they have a plan to make the hospital sustainable.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville Community Hospital now publicly owned; Pajaro Valley Health Care District set to take over from bankrupt private owners
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District finalized the purchase of the Watsonville Community Hospital on Wednesday, concluding a race to create the district through legislation and then raise $67 million ahead of a bankruptcy court deadline of Aug. 31 to purchase the hospital. The transfer marks the end of a long period of private ownership, characterized by much management change and significant operating losses.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
‘Largest community fundraising campaign in county history’ nears finish line with Watsonville Community Hospital
Santa Cruz County staffers — including top county administrative officer Carlos Palacios — are helping with the complex transition from private to public for the hospital, as locals plan a celebration of the work. Meanwhile, Supervisor Zach Friend warns that the challenges aren’t over, just changing.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
As Watsonville Community Hospital moves to complete public ownership, nurses decry major staffing changes
At the end of August, a bankruptcy judge will likely OK the sale of the money-losing hospital to a public district, run by a board to be elected over time. Just as that big change moves forward, all of the hospital’s 247 nurses have been told to “rebid” their jobs. Most part-time jobs are going away, and nurses say the impact on daily staffing — and patient care — could be substantial.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
With $25 million in state funding near, Watsonville Community Hospital purchase becomes more likely
The local nonprofit tasked with raising money to purchase Watsonville Community Hospital is about to receive $25 million from the state. If Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the final budget including that allocation, the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project will still need more than $12 million to reach its goal, but organizers say most of that money should be raised before the Aug. 31 deadline.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Lookout Update: Driscoll’s donation drives $3.3 million toward purchase of Watsonville Community Hospital
The Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project is closer to its goal of raising about $63 million after announcing Driscoll’s fundraising match challenge this week. Driscoll’s is donating $1.75 million after the community raised $1.58 million.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
$16 million in 90 days: What’s needed to close public purchase of Watsonville Community Hospital
Watsonville Community Hospital — which declared bankruptcy in December — is at risk of closure. To save the hospital, a local nonprofit is scrambling to raise money to purchase it. With more than $25 million raised so far and a commitment of $20 million from the state, the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project is making a wide appeal to help bring in the final $16 million needed by Aug. 31.