Keck Medicine Acquires Verdugo Hills Hospital

Keck Medicine of USC has expanded with the acquisition of Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale,California.Effective July 16,the purchase integrates the 158-bed local hospital into the constellation of Keck Medicine world-class medical institutions,which include the Keck School of Medicine;Keck Hospital of USC;and USC Norris Cancer Hospital,as well as USC Care Medical Group and other assets. Verdugo Hills Hospital has served the Foothill communities of Los Angeles County for 40 years.It offers a primary stroke center;cardiac rehabilitation;diagnostic/imaging services;and a maternity department. According to Tom Jakiewicz,President of USC Health,this was the right move for both organisations,particularly in light of the changes that are transforming health care and how it's delivered.Bringing together these two very strong provider communities creates a unique opportunity for residents of the Foothill communities to receive exceptional patient care from the physicians they know and trust,and from those who bring additional medical expertise from one of the world's leading academic medical centers. The realities of health care reform are feeding a national trend of consolidation of health care providers into large networks,in a quest to achieve greater efficiency and better clinical outcomes for patients,with an eye to reducing costs. Len LaBella,CEO of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital,added that the affiliation enables us to provide key services and advantages that not only help us remain viable,but to thrive in a challenging health care environment that demands constant evolution. Cosmetic improvements such as new signage,better landscaping and refurbished interiors have already been achieved since the deal closed-the first of many steps of the integration.