Where a flower farm once thrived, a quality hospital grew
FREMONT, Sept. 20, 2012 – The Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center hospital will officially mark a decade of serving greater Fremont, Tri-City area and southern Alameda Southern County this Sunday, Sept. 23, when it opened 10 years ago.
In recent days, a series of celebration activities were held at the hospital that includes a display of a “memory box” at the lobby to allow staff and members to share their favorite memory of the Fremont Medical Center hospital.
Early this week, gift shop volunteers were honored with a reception. Another day, there was a dedication of the “Healer’s Touch” statue, in honor of J. Patrick Barnes and the DAISY Award his family in Glen Ellen, CA established to honor the service everywhere of nurses who provide extraordinary care.
This special milestone was celebrated with an ice cream social, a breakfast for the weekend staff, and a gathering to honor employees who have served 10 years in Fremont. It concludes this week with an employee talent show, and a family barbeque.
“I applaud the dedication and commitment of the physicians and staff who have equally contributed to the continued success of the Fremont Medical Center since it opened in the fall of 2002,” said Colleen McKeown, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, Kaiser Permanente Southern Alameda County.
The 106-bed hospital serves about 87,000 members in greater Fremont, Tri-City area and southern Alameda County. It has more than 200 physicians and 1,800 staff members.
Built on an old flower farm where gladiolus used to grow, the hospital is supported by five medical office buildings. Kaiser Permanente clinics have been serving Fremont since 1995.
The Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center has been recognized by the American Stroke Association with the “Get With the Guidelines” Stroke Initial Performance Achievement Award. Its batriatric surgery program is one of four centers in Kaiser Permanente Northern California for this type of surgery. Its Teen Health Clinic is a special center that serves the unique needs of teenagers.
“I am extremely proud to work with the staff, physicians and volunteers that make up our community of health care providers and demonstrate daily excellence and compassion,” said Dr. Calvin Wheeler, Physician-In-Chief at Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 9 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/newscenter.
