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.
Watsonville Community Hospital
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville Community Hospital sale to fledgling health district approved
On Wednesday, the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project moved forward in its effort to buy Watsonville Community Hospital. The bankruptcy court gave the forming district until Aug. 31 to close on the sale, as it raises more money and solidifies plans. The hospital will now stay open, and applications are open as well for the health district’s to-be-appointed new directors, with a March 4 application deadline.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Will Watsonville Community Hospital be saved?
A local coalition is cobbling together close to $39 million to buy the bankrupt Watsonville Community Hospital. A judge will review the funding at a sale hearing on Feb. 23 and decide if the coalition can move forward with the purchase. Even if the group makes the purchase, it will still need millions more to operate the financially failing hospital and a plan to keep it operating. Can it succeed?
Posted inCOVID Today
Santa Cruz County, health officials confident a district will save Watsonville Community Hospital
Watsonville Community Hospital is at risk of closing after years of financial struggle. Santa Cruz County and health care officials hope that a health care district, a government entity with a complicated and not always successful history in the state, will prevent that.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Laird advances bill to create health care district, another step in Watsonville Community Hospital transition
Through Senate Bill 418, State Sen. John Laird is pushing the creation of a health care district which could be the eventual owner of the Watsonville Community Hospital, if the sale is successful.
