Temecula Valley Hospital opened its doors for patient care on October 14th. After the flags were raised, the front monument sign was unveiled as passing motorists honked and waved with excitement. The gates were removed to allow access to the hospital, the staff and hospital leadership eagerly awaited the first patients.
“Our employees and the medical staff are very excited and honored to open a hospital dedicated to providing patient centered, family sensitive care to serve the surrounding region,” said Darlene Wetton, chief executive officer of the hospital.
The emergency department went into operation quickly, seeing 12 patients by 4:00 p.m. and 24 patients by midnight. By the end of the first day, 7 patients were either admitted or remained in the hospital for observation and the rest were treated and released.
“I am very impressed with the level of service and how well organized everything is,” said one of the first patients at the hospital, a man who asked to be called “Grandpa Bill.” The hospital was busy with activity throughout the day, with support personnel from many departments and vendors making sure all systems were operating correctly and efficiently.
A Command Center was established to quickly handle any needs that patients or staff might encounter.
Temecula Valley Hospital provides a comprehensive range of hospital services including emergency care, surgical suites equipped with advanced technology and private patient rooms. The hospital has a 24-hour visitation policy.