SURPRISE VISIT—Karen Gabler, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce board chair, congratulates Darwin Remboldt, Simi Valley Hospital president and CEO, for the hospital's achievement of being selected the Chamber's 2008 Business of the Year. Simi Valley Hospital has been selected as the 2008 Business of the Year by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce and will be honored at a luncheon scheduled for January.

The award distinction follows the grand opening of the hospital's Patient Care Tower with a celebration event that attracted more than 1,000 residents. The new state-of-the-art facility features a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and 128 private care rooms.

The cost of the tower was about $75 million, including bricks and mortar, furniture and technology.

The hospital is constructing a new lobby addition that is anticipated to open next year.

"Our physicians and employees have worked hard to improve all aspects of the patient experience at Simi Valley Hospital," said Darwin Remboldt, hospital president and CEO. "Something wonderful is happening here, and our compassionate and caring staff is at the heart of it all. I am proud to accept this honor on their behalf."

On an annual basis, the hospital records approximately 25,000 emergency department visits, 5,000 inpatient visits, 78,000 outpatient visits, 600 deliveries and 7,800 home health visits.

As a notforprofit, the hospital participates in community events, provides free health screenings and supports various community charities, including the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

For more details about the Business of the Year, visit the Chamber's website at www.simivalleychamber.org.