SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced the introduction of a bond proposal that will ensure the continued operations of San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (SFGH). The Department of Public Health (DPH) is proposing an $887.4 million general obligation bond measure on the November ballot in order to build a new, seismically safe SFGH. The existing general acute care hospital building does not comply with the current California seismic safety requirements and must be replaced or face
closure of acute care services.
"San Francisco General Hospital is the crown jewel of our public health system," said Mayor Newsom. "There is no more immediate or more important goal to the health of our residents than to rebuild this facility to ensure our continued commitment to expand healthcare to all San Franciscans."
The new hospital will be located on the West Lawn of the campus on Potrero Avenue. It will be seven stories, with another two stories below ground. The project will also incorporate environmentally "green" sensitive design principles to bring it to a LEED certification level of Silver or better. Because of Mayor Newsom´s initial $25 million investment for a 2-year planning process, the rebuild project can commence almost immediately
following the passage of the bond. Timelines for the project call for utilities relocation and replacement starting in the summer of 2009 and construction of the new building beginning immediately thereafter in the fall of 2010. The hospital would be open for business at the start of 2015. An environmental impact report (EIR) for the project will be
presented to the Planning Commission for approval in mid-June, after which the legislation can be passed placing the bond measure on the ballot.
"As the City´s only trauma center, we owe it to the 98,000 patients who come through our doors every year to ensure the highest quality healthcare in the safest setting," said SFGH Chief Executive Officer Gene O´Connell. Upon passage of the bond measure, the Public Finance Office has determined that, based on an $887.4 million bond, with phased sales over the course of the construction period, debt service would be added to city tax rolls over time as other debt expires such that City tax rates would not exceed FY
2006 levels. Operating costs will continue to be paid for out of the City´s annual budget.
SFGH serves as a safety net for a population that would not be provided for at other hospitals in the City: 85% of SFGH patients are uninsured or are publicly insured (Medi-Cal or Medicare). In any given year, over 15,000 ambulances (29% of all ambulance runs) arrive at SFGH to receive the services often not available anywhere else in the region. SFGH also serves as a city and regional resource for responding to emergencies and
disasters. SFGH is also essential to the city's efforts to provide health care coverage for all San Franciscans through the Healthy San Francisco program.
closure of acute care services.
"San Francisco General Hospital is the crown jewel of our public health system," said Mayor Newsom. "There is no more immediate or more important goal to the health of our residents than to rebuild this facility to ensure our continued commitment to expand healthcare to all San Franciscans."
The new hospital will be located on the West Lawn of the campus on Potrero Avenue. It will be seven stories, with another two stories below ground. The project will also incorporate environmentally "green" sensitive design principles to bring it to a LEED certification level of Silver or better. Because of Mayor Newsom´s initial $25 million investment for a 2-year planning process, the rebuild project can commence almost immediately
following the passage of the bond. Timelines for the project call for utilities relocation and replacement starting in the summer of 2009 and construction of the new building beginning immediately thereafter in the fall of 2010. The hospital would be open for business at the start of 2015. An environmental impact report (EIR) for the project will be
presented to the Planning Commission for approval in mid-June, after which the legislation can be passed placing the bond measure on the ballot.
"As the City´s only trauma center, we owe it to the 98,000 patients who come through our doors every year to ensure the highest quality healthcare in the safest setting," said SFGH Chief Executive Officer Gene O´Connell. Upon passage of the bond measure, the Public Finance Office has determined that, based on an $887.4 million bond, with phased sales over the course of the construction period, debt service would be added to city tax rolls over time as other debt expires such that City tax rates would not exceed FY
2006 levels. Operating costs will continue to be paid for out of the City´s annual budget.
SFGH serves as a safety net for a population that would not be provided for at other hospitals in the City: 85% of SFGH patients are uninsured or are publicly insured (Medi-Cal or Medicare). In any given year, over 15,000 ambulances (29% of all ambulance runs) arrive at SFGH to receive the services often not available anywhere else in the region. SFGH also serves as a city and regional resource for responding to emergencies and
disasters. SFGH is also essential to the city's efforts to provide health care coverage for all San Franciscans through the Healthy San Francisco program.
