Santa Clara County officials have finalized their $150 million purchase of Regional Medical Center from private corporation HCA Healthcare, which depleted the hospital’s services over the years. But the hard work to make it whole again is just beginning. County officials are racing against the clock to restore the gutted trauma care services by April...
Silicon Valley health care provider plans two medical campuses
One of Northern California’s largest health care providers has plans to build two medical campuses, as patient overflow is straining Silicon Valley emergency rooms with long wait times and life-threatening delays. Sutter Health is investing $800 million to renovate two large, vacant offices in Santa Clara into non-hospital, outpatient rooms for a range of medical...
San Jose demand for senior meals underestimated cost
San Jose temporarily limited meals for older adults at city community centers in early December amid a budget shortfall — a move that left recipients flustered. The San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services is responsible for administering meals through the Senior Nutrition Program at 13 community centers across the city. Its meals...
DA: Santa Clara County hospitals illegally dump medical waste
Human flesh and blood. Confidential patient information. Fentanyl. Santa Clara County’s top prosecutor alleges his investigators found these items and more after a covert, yearlong investigation into illegal dumping by Valley Medical Center, St. Louise and O’Connor hospitals. Investigators in hazmat suits conducted a series of unannounced waste inspections of garbage compactors starting in November...
Santa Clara County CARE program begins mental health treatment
As the sweeping promises of a new behavioral health court take shape slower than expected across California, Santa Clara County is one of the last to roll it out. A new civil court process known as the CARE Program — or CARE Court — allows anyone from a family member to a first responder to...
Medi-Cal to cover Indigenous traditional care in Silicon Valley
Starting next year, Medi-Cal will cover traditional healing practices for Native Americans seeking treatment for substance use. Medi-Cal will expand its coverage to services provided by Native American traditional healers, including herbal medicine, music therapy and spiritual interventions like rituals. It will also cover services provided by natural helpers, including counseling and trauma support. A...
San Jose officials greenlight hospital expansion
No one at the packed San Jose City Council meeting wanted the West Valley hospital to close or miss its seismic retrofit deadline, but numerous residents wanted city officials to hear their concerns about the company that owns the hospital. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the environmental impact report...
Santa Clara County launches TRUST direct crisis hotline
After some trial and error, Santa Clara County just made it easier to request a non-police response for someone in mental health crisis. Officials have rolled out a direct, 24/7 hotline to reach the Trusted Response Urgent Support Team (TRUST), a mental health crisis team that sends out vans across the county to de-escalate emergencies...
UPDATE: San Jose hospital meeting ends without community benefits commitment
San Jose health advocates said Good Samaritan Hospital leadership has refused to commit to a community benefits proposal as part of its $1.2 billion bid to expand the hospital. Members of the Rescue Our Medical Care campaign rallied in front of City Hall on Wednesday to call on HCA Healthcare, the parent company of Good...
Silicon Valley city named one of best places to retire
A city in Santa Clara County has been named one of the best places to retire in the nation for its health amenities and quality of life. Santa Clara took the No. 3 spot as one of the best places to retire affordably, according to a 2024 Fortune report. The ranking took into account health...