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Sobarato Pavilion at the Valley Health Center Headquarter on Bascom in San Jose all of the hospital beds and upgrad- ing all patient monitoring equipment in the Emergency Department, the Intensive Care Unit, Maternity, and all of the hospital’s acute care units. In addition, the hospital will receive new digital/3D imaging equipment, an MRI, a 128-slice CT scanner, por- table C-Arm machines and ultrasound equipment as well as scopes, ventila- tors, sterile processing equipment, birthing tubs, and other needed items.” Along with equipment, financial assistance and eligibility programs will be more accessible for South County residents, including health coverage programs for preventative health care, primary care, and acute care services. Specialty consultation services will be re-established and expanded to ensure consistent coverage for the Emergency Department and acute in-patient services including urology, obstetrics, cardiology, neurosurgery and other areas. Lorenz added that the health system is looking to continue mobile health services (preventative, primary and dental care services) to the local home- less population. Plans for De Paul Health Center Morgan Hill’s De Paul Health Center is comprised of a former 67-bed hospital and medical offices situated on 25 acres. According to Hennelly, “We are looking forward to the development of the De Paul facility. It has enormous potential to help us respond to the growing and evolving healthcare needs of the community, and the County has the resources necessary to make it a reality.” Lorenz noted that County Executive, Dr. Jeff Smith, has been meeting regularly with Morgan Hill Mayor Rich Constantine and City Manager Christina Turner about plans for De Paul. Those plans may include expand- ing urgent care and offering imaging, lab and pharmacy services. “The original hospital building was not maintained over the years so the County is at looking at major renova- tion, which may take a year or two,” Lorenz said. “The renovated facility would expand urgent care services and include an outpatient surgery center. Longer term, the County will consider skilled nursing or other complementary services.” A Community Advisory Committee will seek community input and support in the hospital’s growth and develop- ment, working with community health clinics and other health facilities and stakeholders. “In our size hospital, personalized connection is possible,” Hennelly said. “The power of touch makes us effective.” GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN august/september 2019 Emergency Air Transport CalStar continues to lease the helipad located on the St. Louise campus, which has served as one of the bases for its air rescue program since 1992. “It’s an invaluable service to the community to have access to life flight,” Hennelly said. “At the same time, when we become a trauma cen- ter, we’ll be able to treat more people here.” Community Engagement Members of the former St. Louise Regional Hospital board will have an opportunity to serve on the new Community Advisory Committee. The hospital’s more than 150 vol- unteers, from high school students to seniors, donated 13,500 hours of ser- vice in every role imaginable includ- ing greeters, gift shop staff, event staff, and gardeners. “St. Louise and De Paul provide important benefits to the local com- munity,” Lorenz said. “It is important for the community to continue to sup- port their local hospital. We want the residents of South County to have the right care, and the best care, close to home.” gmhtoday.com 31