Eisenhower Medical Center

Description

A s the valleys only notfor profit hospital Eisenhower Medical Center has provided high quality compassionate care for more than 35 years through a full range of stateoftheart diagnostic treatment and emergency facilities

Situated on a 130acre campus in the heart of the Coachella Valley Eisenhower Medical Center is a dynamic progressive health care complex comprised of a 313bed hospital the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower the Barbara Sinatra Childrens Center at Eisenhower and the Betty Ford Center at Eisenhower This multifaceted institution provides the highest quality health care for residents and visitors and provides a broad range of educational programs for the public and health care professionals

One of the hallmarks of Eisenhower Medical Centers reputation as a premier health care facility is the significant financial support provided by a broad base of generous donors Philanthropy and volunteerism have always played a major role in Eisenhowers ability to fulfill its mission quotto serve the changing health care needs of our region by providing excellence in patient care with supportive education and researchquot

Dedicated in 1971 two years after groundbreaking ceremonies Eisenhower Medical Center is named in honor of President Dwight D Eisenhower who lived part time in the Coachella Valley during retirement

Centers of Excellence
Eisenhower Medical Center is recognized for its Center of Excellence in Oncology Cardiovascular and Orthopedics

Planning for the Future
To address the health care needs of the rapidly increasing population of the Coachella Valley Eisenhower is continually expanding its programs and facilities Current projects include an expansion of the Emergency Department with an anticipated completion date of 2008 and the construction of a new inpatient pavilion to meet both new statemandated seismic standards and a growing patient population

100 Top Hospitals Recognition
In February 2005 Eisenhower Medical Center was named as one of the 100 Top Hospitalsreg by Thomson the leading source of health care business intelligence in the United States The award recognizes hospitals that have achieved excellence in clinical operational and financial performance and in responsiveness to the needs of the communities they serve Eisenhower was one of only six hospitals in California to be awarded 100 Top Hospitals status

The medical center benefits greatly from the support of the Eisenhower Medical Center Auxiliary and many other generous benefactors The Auxiliary assists by raising funds and by coordinating the work of hundreds of adult and teen volunteers who assist patients families and staff throughout the campus The Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation coordinates fundraising efforts including the current 200 million Campaign Eisenhower Phase Two which began in 2007

History

Distinguished people are set apart from peers by their continuing deeds Dolores and the late Bob Hope are clearly among the worlds most distinguished philanthropists For more than 30 years they took time away from their incredible careers their family their friends and many other causes to support the health care institution they envisioned As a result Eisenhower Medical Center is now able to celebrate more than three decades of compassionate service

The story dates back to 1966 quotA yearquot says Eisenhower Medical Center Board Chairman Emeritus Dolores Hope quotthat changed our lives significantlyquot

Two events that year shaped the course of the future Internationallyrenowned entertainer Bob Hope was asked to lend his name to the Desert Classic golf tournament and to serve on the board of the hospital which would be built from tournament proceeds Unable to meet the required time commitment he suggested that his wife serve instead Because of her dedicated involvement in numerous philanthropic causes she was thought the legendary comedian perfect for the job In what became a lifechanging moment Dolores Hope agreed to become a board member From that day she has energetically participated in every major decision and has served continuously since 1968 as President Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emeritus of Eisenhower Medical Center

Familiar with many roles as entertainers partners parents and humanitarians Dolores and Bob Hope somehow made time for this one more important role Since those early days were the driving forces behind the creation and longterm growth of this world renowned medical center

Tireless in their efforts from the outset they donated the original 80 acres of land for the new midvalley hospital then were instrumental in raising private funds so it could be built Because of their stature in the entertainment industry events such as dedications and fundraisers took on an excitement few attendees had experienced Leaders like President Richard Nixon President Gerald Ford Vice President Spiro Agnew President George Bush and Governor Ronald Reagan took part in important ceremonies celebrities like Frank Sinatra George Burns Bing Crosby Gene Autry and Lucille Ball contributed their enormous talents and resources to the medical centers cause

When ground was broken for the hospital in 1969 it was the first of many such ceremonies Bob Hope would emcee through the years Two months later Dolores spearheaded the formation of the Eisenhower Medical Center Auxiliary a group which grew from a handful of people into one of the most successful volunteer organizations of its kind in the world

When Bob emceed the hospitals opening in November of 1971 it was cause for much celebration But it was only a brief respite from the hard work of running and supporting a medical center As President Dolores helped to direct Eisenhower Medical Centers continued growth and expansion Together the Hopes presented tributes to Mr and Mrs Walter Probst Mr and Mrs Peter Kiewit and Mrs Harold Hazel Wright at the openings of medical buildings bearing their names and presided over the dedication of the new 47bed Mamie Eisenhower Wing of Eisenhower Memorial Hospital

During the 1980s the medical center branched into critical new areas Although they were involved in countless other charitable activities and had an exhausting schedule of benefits and performances the Hopes continued to be part of every important medical center event including the planning and openings of the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences Betty Ford Center Barbara Sinatra Childrens Center Dolores Hope Outpatient Care Center and Uihlein Administration Building

Over the years the Hopes received nearly every award and accolade bestowed worldwide including a combined total of 60 honorary doctorate degrees to recognize their incredible legacy In 1996 in conjunction with Eisenhower Medical Centers 25th anniversary they received the medical centers most prestigious award the Eisenhower Centennial Award

Bob Hope died on July 27 2003 just two months after his 100th birthday His death was mourned by millions of people around the world Members of the Eisenhower Medical Center family many of whom had long and very special relationships with him were particularly affected by his passing Dolores Hope continues to serve on the Board of Directors of Eisenhower Medical Center and as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees