The recent announcement of a partnership between Tri-City Medical Center and UC San Diego Health marks a significant milestone in the journey towards expanding San Diego’s medical care. This alliance brings together two major medical institutions, each eager to help the community. Tri-City Medical Center, nestled in the heart of North County San Diego, has long been recognized as a beacon of healthcare excellence. With a rich history spanning decades, Tri-City has continually evolved to meet the growing area, offering a comprehensive range of services encompassing primary care, specialty care, emergency medicine, and more.

On the other hand, UC San Diego Health stands as a pinnacle of academic medicine, renowned globally for its cutting-edge research, innovative treatments, and multidisciplinary approach to patient care. As a leading health system, UC San Diego Health leverages the latest advancements in medical science to provide patients with access to state-of-the-art treatments and therapies.

The collaboration between Tri-City Medical Center and UC San Diego Health signifies not only a merging of resources and expertise but also a shared commitment to elevating the standard of healthcare.

Improving healthcare in North County

The partnership involves pooling together resources and expertise from both institutions to improve healthcare services and outcomes for patients. Patients will benefit from improved access to specialized medical care, including advanced treatments and therapies offered by UC San Diego Health. The partnership is expected to have a positive impact on the local community by enhancing healthcare services and contributing to the overall health infrastructure of the region. The partnership is part of a long-term strategic vision aimed at ensuring improved healthcare in the North County region.

“Through investments intended to modernize facilities and technologies designed around the future of care delivery, UC San Diego Health expects to partner with Tri-City to enhance its clinical quality and patient experience as well as its cyber security infrastructure. This will be achieved, in part, by restarting or introducing critical medical and surgical services while simultaneously upgrading and protecting its technology infrastructure and information systems,” said Christopher Longhurst, MD, chief medical officer and chief digital officer at UC San Diego Health. “As a pediatrician living in North County, I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the journey forward with the Tri-City team.”

Tri City and UC San Diego Partnership Model

UC San Diego Health has proposed to take over the rights and title to assets owned by the District under a Joint Powers Agreement. This includes assuming day-to-day operational responsibility for providing healthcare services within the District.

To ensure community involvement and representation, a nine-member Community Board will be established. This board will consist of two appointees from the District Board, two members from the Tri-City medical staff, and five members appointed by the UC San Diego Health Executive Governing Board.

The Community Board’s role will be to provide advice and recommendations to UC San Diego Health on strategic, operational, and financial decisions concerning its growth strategies within the District’s communities. Additionally, providers will have the opportunity to participate in an open medical staff, fostering collaboration and input from healthcare professionals.

Read the UCSD Health Press Release Here