-Editorial
In a significant move to improve healthcare services in Imperial County, the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) Board of Directors has unanimously approved a five-year partnership with UC San Diego Health, ranked among the top 20 hospital systems in the country. The agreement aims to expand specialized care, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The two-phase collaboration will integrate local hospitals—Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District and El Centro Regional Medical Center—under unified management. This step is intended to support the district’s effort to achieve sole community hospital status and streamline healthcare delivery throughout the Valley.
“Our partnership with UC San Diego Health marks a transformative step forward in delivering world-class healthcare to the Imperial Valley,” said Christopher R. Bjornberg, CEO of IVHD. “By uniting our facilities, we’re expanding access to care and reinforcing our commitment to providing specialized services locally.”
Key benefits outlined in the agreement include expanded access to specialty healthcare for all residents, improved services for vulnerable populations, and greater operational stability through better expense management, physician recruitment, and workforce development.
“UC San Diego Health is proud to partner with Imperial Valley Healthcare District to help stabilize and enrich patient care,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. “Together, we can build a sustainable healthcare system, so patients receive high-quality care closer to home.”
Pending approval from the Office of Health Care Affordability, the agreement will take effect July 1, 2025. UC San Diego Health will begin by offering strategic advisory services and later assume full management responsibilities through July 2030. The partnership is expected to bring national-level expertise to Imperial Valley while preserving local governance and community-centered care.
