St. Joseph's Medical Center Expansion Approved By Stockton City Council

St. Joseph's Medical Center, a venerable 124-year-old institution in Stockton, is set for a monumental expansion. After nearly two years since announcing their plans, Stockton City Council has officially given the nod for the project that will see the addition of a 70-unit emergency department and over 140 extra hospital beds.
The unanimous approval, which took place at Tuesday's meeting, entails multiple new features for the center. These include a new parking structure, a helicopter landing pad, an acute care tower, and several modular medical offices. A significant portion of this development will be situated between California Street and Cemetery Lane.

"This decision signifies a landmark moment for the council that will leave a lasting impact on our community," stated District 3 Councilman Michael Blower. Echoing this sentiment, Mayor Kevin Lincoln labeled the venture as a "win-win" for both Stockton and St. Joseph's.

Lisa Vela, San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO, highlighted St. Joseph's integral role in Stockton's community, both in terms of health and the economy. She emphasized that St. Joseph's is a substantial economic engine, supporting over 6,000 jobs and predicting a surge in employment during the construction phase. Moreover, upon the project's completion, the ongoing economic impact is projected to exceed $1.6 billion annually.

A crucial component of this expansion is the growth of St. Joseph's graduate medical education program. This move addresses the pronounced physician deficit in San Joaquin Valley, aiming to alleviate the need for patients to seek care outside the region. Current statistics reveal a concerning disparity in primary care physicians in the valley, lagging behind the state average by 22%. With the expansion, St. Joseph's intends to train over 215 residents and fellows across 12 specialties by 2025, as confirmed by Kellie Ryan, the hospital's communications manager.

The revamped St. Joseph's is slated to be operational for both patients and staff between 2028 and 2030.

In other council discussions, members contemplated amending the charter regarding the city's public information office. Furthermore, they sanctioned a $500,000 state grant to bolster traffic law enforcement and approved $526,452 for park improvements, anticipated to conclude by spring 2024.

Original story by Hannah Workman, The Stockton Record.