This is an exciting time for Washington Hospital Healthcare
System as we are laying the foundation for our future
success. We are expanding programs to bring more and
improved services to the community; continuing construction
on our campus to ensure all areas of the Hospital are
seismically safe, modern and efficient; and collaborating
outside and within our walls so we can provide the best
possible health care to patients and their families. I am also
pleased to say we are actively working on the momentous
journey to become Alameda County’s next trauma center
within five years — an effort motivated by the community that
made it clear they want local access to trauma services.
I know residents value our UCSF Health partnership, which
offers a collaborative approach to bringing advanced medical
technology and care to the Tri-City Area. We are currently
working closely with UCSF to enhance cancer services as
well as other programs. This includes the ongoing design and
permit work for the future Warm Springs Outpatient Center,
which will bring world-class health care services to that
growing neighborhood in South Fremont.
I am pleased to report that departments and programs across
the Healthcare System are performing well and invite you to
read about them in these pages. Our Hospital Laboratory,
highlighted on page 5, is a good example. While our lab
operates 24/7/365 behind the scenes, it is central to patient
care — processing 2.2 million tests a year and thousands of
COVID-19 tests monthly. Additionally, it performed extremely
well in a recent Joint Commission survey. Last year, we also
received the highest American Heart and Stroke Association
honor for our Stroke Program and a first-time recognition for
our STEMI heart attack protocols.
These achievements continue across the organization, which
shows that throughout the pandemic our team never stopped
focusing on the Patient First Ethic. I am proud to say that we
continue to strengthen our culture of safety and are preparing
for tomorrow’s health care needs. COVID-19 has become a part
of our normal operations, as we continue to plan for the future.
Everyone here at Washington Hospital Healthcare System
is dedicated to bringing you the finest patient and family-focused
health care services now and for generations to come.
Kimberly Hartz
Chief Executive Officer