On October 14, the Regents of the University of California and Palomar Health District Board of Directors approved the establishment of a joint powers authority (JPA) to stabilize and expand health care services for the community in the Palomar Health District of North San Diego.
These initial approvals represent a critical next step towards the finalization of the JPA, a legal entity that establishes a clear road map for the mutually beneficial management, operation, and expansion of health care services for all Palomar Health facilities.
As public entities, UC San Diego Health and Palomar Health are in a unique position to work together to ensure patients in North San Diego can continue to get care close to home while also accessing new clinical services supported by leading medical and surgical specialists.
The JPA is a legal entity in which two public agencies establish a formal legal structure to hold the assets and liabilities related to Palomar Health, and for joint governance, strategic planning, management of operations and clinical growth development.
Initial plans for the JPA include the creation of a comprehensive cancer center on the Escondido campus, development of the two shelled floors in the Escondido hospital for destination health care services, and other sub-specialty development.
UC San Diego Health and Palomar Health intend to finalize the JPA by the end of October 2025. Once complete, the JPA will require approval from the State of California through the Office of Health Care Affordability which may require up to 90 days, after which the JPA will initiate operations.
Future public announcements will detail the overall regional stabilization and expansion efforts of the JPA in North San Diego.
About UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health, the region's only academic health system, is dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care through commitment to community, groundbreaking research and inspired teaching. Our specialty care for serious and complex conditions is consistently ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report and other organizations. The 1,101-bed academic health system includes Hillcrest Medical Center, Jacobs Medical Center, East Campus Medical Center, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Moores Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion, McGrath Outpatient Pavilion, and Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, as well as primary care and same day services at clinics throughout Southern California.
For more information, please visit health.ucsd.edu, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and YouTube, and find the latest news at health.ucsd.edu/news.
About Palomar Health
Established in 1948, the award-winning team at Palomar Health provides the most comprehensive health care in North San Diego County through its two medical centers and more than 900 affiliated medical providers serving more than half a million people. Palomar Health is nationally recognized as operating one of America's 250 Best Hospitals; a Best 100 Hospital for joint replacement and orthopedic surgery; a Best Hospital for stroke care and heart care; a Diabetes and Stroke Center of Excellence; and a Blue Distinction Center for spine surgery, cardiac care and maternity.
Through its network of providers, Palomar Health offers medical services in virtually all fields of medicine, including primary care, cardiovascular care, emergency services, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, women's health, behavioral health, rehabilitation and robotic surgery in the North San Diego County region. For more information, please visit Palomar Health.
