Exciting News: UCR Health Unveils Major Expansion Plans for Better Patient Care!

UCR Health recently announced a significant expansion in Riverside, California. They plan to develop a 21-acre site at Valley Springs Parkway and Gateway Drive that will include an outpatient diagnostic center and a vision for future growth.

This move marks UCR Health’s major step towards establishing a comprehensive healthcare presence in the Inland Empire. The region faces rapid population growth and a shortage of primary and specialty care physicians. Currently, the Inland Empire has about 40 primary care doctors for every 100,000 residents, falling short of the recommended 60 to 80, according to the California Health Care Foundation.

UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox expressed excitement about the new facility, emphasizing it’s about building a brighter healthcare future. The goal is to create a hub that not only serves the community but also integrates medical education. Tim Collins, CEO of UCR Health, noted that this expansion will improve access to a range of medical services and support training for medical students.

The collaboration with TDA Investments enhances the project’s potential. As Paula Purcell, a key figure in the agreement, points out, this location is ideal for helping the surrounding communities.

UCR Health, part of the UCR School of Medicine, already serves over 45,000 patients each year. The school, which opened in 2013, has graduated 454 physicians. Notably, 26% of these graduates completed their residencies in the Inland Empire, and the school continues to support over 1,200 students preparing for careers in healthcare.

In fall 2023, UCR School of Medicine expanded its educational facilities, increasing its class size from 80 to 125 students. This growth reflects a commitment to training more healthcare professionals to meet local needs.

Overall, the expansion is a promising development for healthcare access in the Inland Empire, aiming to create a robust medical network that benefits the community and supports the future of medical education.

For more information about healthcare statistics in California, you can visit the California Health Care Foundation.

Source link