This is a commercial hospital located in Lynwood, California, and it first opened its doors back in 1945. St. Francis Medical Center is a proud member of the Prime Healthcare family of hospitals, which was founded in 2001. For a deeper dive into the center’s establishment and growth, you can explore more about Los Angeles.
The Story of St. Francis Medical Center
In the post-war era, the population in southeast Los Angeles was skyrocketing, and with it, the demand for medical care. This surge prompted a group of community leaders, spearheaded by Dr. Phinice Cooper and Monsignor Thomas O’Dwyer of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, to enlist the help of the Sisters of Penance and Charity. As a result, on November 19, 1945, St. Francis Medical Center officially began its journey under the guidance of Sister Noella Dieringer. It was truly the start of something special.
On the eve of the hospital’s official opening, which was set for 9:00 AM, something unexpected happened. An ambulance pulled up to the main entrance with a woman in labor, and the hospital doors swung open at 7:00 AM. Within an hour, the first baby was born at St. Francis Medical Center. By the end of its first day of operation, the hospital had admitted 13 patients, a clear sign of just how vital this facility was to the community.
Expanding Services
From its earliest days, the hospital has consistently expanded its services to meet the community’s evolving healthcare needs:
- In the 1960s, the hospital launched a behavioral health unit, transforming the center into a clinical campus for Compton College, which led to the graduation of its first class of specialized nurses.
- The hospital was chosen as the central hub for 31 Harbor-area hospitals in a radio communication system designed for major emergencies, forming the foundation for a base hospital in the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) network.
- In 1976, the telemetry unit opened, significantly boosting patient monitoring capabilities and enhancing the quality of care.
- By 1983, the Occupational and Industrial Medicine Clinic was established.
- In 1996, St. Francis Medical Center opened a trauma center to provide critical and specialized care for severe injuries.
A Change of Name
In the 1980s, St. Francis Hospital officially became St. Francis Medical Center, a name modern residents are very familiar with. This name change, supported by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, was driven by a desire to emphasize not only high-quality care but also the facility’s reputation as a cutting-edge medical institution. It became synonymous with modern capabilities and a commitment to educating future healthcare professionals.
The changes weren’t limited to the name; the original 1945 building was eventually replaced by four new medical complexes.
- The first building became the central element for housing visitors—the patient tower.
- Next came the pavilion for medical departments and services.
- The Family Life Center, specializing in services for families and the community.
- And finally, the Medical Plaza.
Since its inception, St. Francis Medical Center has never ceased its patient care operations for a single day, a testament to its unwavering dedication and hard work.
Prime Healthcare Takes Over
As the new millennium began, St. Francis Medical Center faced significant financial challenges, including a widespread recession and, later, the COVID-19 pandemic. While the California Medical Association and the California Nurses Association supported the facility’s sale, the Service Employees International Union opposed it, leading Prime Healthcare to initially withdraw its bid. In an official statement, the company cited conditions set by Attorney General Kamala Devi Harris.
However, on April 9, 2020, the sale of St. Francis Medical Center was announced for over $350 million, with Prime Healthcare committing to invest $47 million in capital improvements. The deal officially closed in August 2020, providing the medical facility with much-needed support. Prime Healthcare’s acquisition of St. Francis Medical Center marked a pivotal moment for the institution.
Prime Healthcare has invested more than $12.8 million into the Medical Center, according to information on the facility’s website. Of these funds, $1 million was allocated for capital improvements like renovations and infrastructure modernization, while nearly $5.5 million went toward upgrading equipment and procuring materials. During this time, new electronic medical records were implemented, significantly boosting the efficiency and safety of patient care.
These investments in St. Francis Medical Center were clearly justified, as the facility has continued to provide residents with access to high-quality medical care and services.
A “Beacon of Hope”
St. Francis Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, has solidified its position as one of the region’s leading hospitals. Its reputation as a “beacon of hope” has been restored, and it continues to foster strong collaborations with local leaders, businesses, and residents of Southeast Los Angeles.
