Hoag expands to Irvine

IRVINE — Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is known for providing high quality health care in Newport Beach.

Since Hoag Hospital's inception in 1952, it has quadrupled in size — from 75 to 498 beds — and has quickly become a leader in cancer, vascular, neurological and orthopedic research.

On Sept. 1, Hoag Hospital Irvine will expand the hospital's reach into a neighboring city.

"Our goal is for Hoag Hospital Irvine to deliver the same excellence in care patients have come know from Hoag's Newport Beach campus to Irvine and South County residents," said Robert Braithwaite, chief administrative officer for Hoag Hospital Irvine.

Formerly known as Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center, a year of renovations has given the facility a new life. Known for the cotton candy pink interior, Hoag channeled the surrounding areas and found inspiration in Irvine's nature, using a palette of warm neutrals and greens.

The total cost of the new hospital is estimated at $84 million, and it's clear that the new campus, although smaller than its Newport sibling, will be pushing the envelope in terms of cutting-edge medical technology.

"Our goal is for Hoag Hospital Irvine to deliver the same excellence in care patients have come know from Hoag's Newport Beach campus to Irvine and South County residents," Braithwaite said.

The radiology department is a prime example of their investment, which features an open-bore MRI, two state-of-the-art catheterization labs and the only high-definition low-dose radiation CT scanner in the region.

At roughly 244,000-square-feet with 154 patient beds, the facility will serve as an extension to the Newport hospital, allowing residents who live farther south a chance to enjoy the benefits of Hoag care. The acute care general hospital will offer a variety of services, both inpatient and outpatient, along with a fully staffed emergency room.

Hoag plans to employ about 800 people at the new campus at 16200 Sand Canyon Ave.

Braithwaite believes the new facility is an important addition for Orange County residents.

"We took great care to research and design a hospital that not only will offer progressive care now, but create a platform for high-quality care that can grow with the needs of Irvine and South Orange County," he said.