Opening of Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta Celebrated

What started six years ago as a vision for a group of local physicians has now realized its potential as Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta.

City, state and federal officials, as well as hospital administrators gathered Friday to celebrate the grand opening of the medical center situated off Interstate 215 in north Murrieta.

"Almost six years ago to this day, we had a meeting. We had a group of physicians who knew we needed an acute care hospital. Southwest Riverside was a medical wasteland," said Dr. John Picone, chairman of the board.

"The hospital that was supposed to be built in Temecula and be done before us is still not built," Picone said.

The physicians, who put up $17.5 million of their own money, then partnered with Loma Linda University Medical Center to expand on their vision. Now, the $210-million, five-story, 256,000-square foot medical center is slated to open in March.

"During the most difficult financial times in this country, this hospital has been built," said Bruce Christian, president and CEO. "It could have been a big challenge but we are going to open our doors on time."

From the time the first shovel broke dirt to now, Christian said it has been 26 months.

"We are the fastest built hospital in history," he said.

State Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore) called it the "Murrieta miracle."

Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane spoke of the population growth in Murrieta, saying that the medical care hadn't grown with it. Now, the city will expand on its opportunities near the hospital corridor, creating a new avenue for economic growth.

Other speakers included State Senator Bill Emmerson (R-Hemet) and U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Vista).

"This area has grown to the size of Cleveland in the last 25 years. That is a growth that deserves a Cleveland-sized clinic, but it doesn't have it," Sen. Issa said.

He also spoke of an issue facing the hospital under the health care reform act. Under the bill, hospitals that are physician-owned  or Medi-Cal payments.

"There are some unintended consequences of that legislation that need to be addressed," he said, thanking the phsyicians for making the investment in their community.

The hospital will help ease the  in southwest Riverside County by serving the communities of Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Canyon Lake, Wildomar and Lake Elsinore. A professional office building located at the center will open in March as well, offering cancer treatment and other needed specialities.

The public is also invited to celebrate the hospital's grand opening from 2 to 6 p.m. today. The  will feature hospital tours, visits from local law enforcement, a medic helicopter and a Super Bowl viewing party.