California's Oldest District Hospital
The idea for a hospital in Redwood City originated in 1938, when a group of nine women led by Mrs. Henry Beeger made an appeal to the City Council of Redwood City for a community hospital to serve the residents of southern San Mateo County. A preliminary study authorized by the City Council confirmed the need, citing a "woeful lack of hospital facilities in the area." As World War II drew to a close in 1944, the need for hospital facilities in the area became even more apparent.
Rather than relying on private donations, large corporations or federal funds, it was the voters of Redwood City, Belmont, San Carlos, Menlo Park and Portola Valley who elected to form a "hospital district" under newly enacted state laws. The voters also passed a pair of bond issues that financed the project at a cost of $2.1 million. Thus began the development of Redwood City's Sequoia Hospital -- the first district hospital in California and the prototype from which 65 others would follow.
Sequoia is Born
Sequoia Hospital was officially dedicated on Ocotber 15, 1950. Ten days later the first patient was admitted to the 106-bed hospital and during that same year the physical therapy department was established. By 1950, full capacity was reached and in 1954, a new 102-bed wing was dedicated to care for the influx of patients. By 1960, another new wing was completed and the Intensive Care Unit was opened. Throughout the 1960s, the Pulmonary Therapy department, Coronary Care Unit and Transitional Care Unit were opened and in 1968, Sequoia became one of the first hospitals in the state to open a psychiatric unit.
In 1970, the Extended Care unit and Home Health Care were introduced. The Radiation Oncology and Pulmonary Therapy departments and the Alcohol/Drug and Rehabilitation Center were established during the 1970s. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department also was opened and doctors began performing coronary artery bypass surgery.
In September, 1996, voters in the Sequoia Hospital District again were called upon to set the course for the future of the hospital. After an overwhelming vote of approval, Sequoia became the newest member of Catholic Healthcare West, the state's largest health care provider in terms of revenue. Governance of the hospital itself would be accomplished though a 10-person Board of Directors, including five members appointed by the Sequoia Healthcare District and five members appointed by CHW.
In the year 2000, Sequoia celebrated its 50th year of caring for the community. The hospital's commitment to the health and well-being of its neighbors holds true, and as we open the doors to the 21st century, Sequoia looks to the future to strengthen its mission of providing high quality health care to all.
History Timeline
