Frequently Asked Questions about the new Palomar Medical Center
When will the hospital open?
Palomar Health will host a Community Celebration on July 28 to celebrate the grand opening of the new Palomar Medical Center. The facility will be open to patients beginning on August 19, 2012.
How many beds will the new hospital have?
The new hospital will open with 288 beds. All rooms are private, single-patient rooms.
Will all the physicians leave the downtown area to relocate to the new PMC facility?
No. Many physicians will remain at the current hospital to support our birth center, behavioral health, outpatient services and future urgent care center. Although the new hospital will have a full medical staff representing all specialties, some physicians, such as cardiologists and surgeons, will move. Most physicians will maintain their current private practice office locations.
How big are the patient rooms?
Rooms average 320 square feet, with included family space and an adjacent 45-square-foot private bathroom.
How many floors does the new hospital have?
The new building is 11 stories with a two-story grand lobby. The top floors will not be operational until needed.
What is the address of the new hospital and how do I get there?
2185 West Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029
From I-15 south, take Highway 78 west, exit Nordahl Road. Turn left on Nordahl Road, right on West Citracado Parkway.
From I-15 north, exit Valley Parkway. Turn left on West Valley Parkway, right on Auto Park Way, left on West Citracado Parkway.
What is the "green roof"?
The green roof is a 1.5-acre wavy rooftop directly above the surgery and recovery area and is the largest of its kind in Southern California. The roof is "green" with vegetation that has been planted across the entire area which will contribute to energy efficiency and follows the modern medical beliefs that patients heal faster with natural light and a connection to nature. All west rooms facing south will overlook the green roof.
Will you be building other Medical Office Buildings on the ERTC site?
The developer has the rights to build a Medical Office Building when he sees fit to do so.
Are you using local contractors to build your facilities and if not, why?
The new hospital has engaged with 18 major sub-contractors, 13 of which are from the San Diego area. A total of $210M or 64% of the awarded project value will go to these local firms. Pomerado has similarly engaged another 18 local firms for $63M or 91% of the awarded project value. Out of area firms were utilized for specialties or trades not found locally, these include: curtain wall systems, window washing systems and steel fabrication.