THE BIG REVEAL—A $41-million upgrade for Simi Valley Hospital is announced by hospital board chairman Scott Reiner, right; president and CEO Darwin Remboldt, center; and Adventist Health board chairman Ricardo Graham during the official opening of the hospital's new lobby and entrance on Dec. 15 in Simi Valley. JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers Simi Valley Hospital unveiled the last piece of its new Patient Care Tower to city and hospital officials on Tuesday.

But even more significant than the viewing of the new main entrance and lobby was the announcement that Adventist Health, the hospital’s parent corporation, had approved an additional $41 million to start work on phase two of the hospital’s improvement plans.

Hospital president and CEO Darwin Remboldt shared the news in style, cueing the unfurling of a banner from the mezzanine level of the new lobby. The revelation was met with cheers and applause.

“Tomorrow we start the planning to finish this hospital off— another $41 million,” he said.

The planned improvements include:

•expanding and renovating the emergency department, which will enlarge it by 5,500 square feet and double the number of patient beds from 10 to 20 ($10.5 million)

•building Simi’s first-ever cardiac catheterization lab ($4.8 million)

•renovating and expanding surgery services to include a spacious and technologically advanced suite large enough to perform complex surgeries ($5.7 million)

•building a new, larger home for gastrointestinal (GI) services ($2 million)

Additional improvements totaling $5 million include a new inpatient MRI, structural and building enhancements, outpatient service upgrades at the Aspen Surgery Center and the Nancy Reagan Breast Center, and service expansion in Moorpark and Porter Ranch.

The hospital must also spend $13 million to make sure the building is in compliance with city and state requirements and to achieve earthquake certification until 2030.

City Manager Mike Sedell said receiving the funds for these improvements is not only a boon to local healthcare but also to the economy.

“The announcement tonight of a $41-million infusion into the community will have far-reaching economic implications for the community,” Sedell said. “We’re very pleased that Adventist Health System has recognized the value of investing in Simi Valley.”

Remboldt said it will be at least two years until all the projects are completed, adding that the most pressing need is the expansion of the emergency department.

“We are taking care of (patients), but people have to be in the halls in beds. We never turn anybody away, but we certainly don’t have the nicest facilities we could have,” he said.

Though the big announcement somewhat overshadowed the dedication on Tuesday, the lobby received high praise, and its completion is the finishing touch of the hospital’s four-story, 144-bed Patient Care Tower, which opened in June 2008.

The lobby features a new main information desk, patient and guest seating areas on both floors, and three private admitting booths to allow for confidentiality during the admitting process.

There’s also a Volunteer Guild gift shop, a coffee station, a donor recognition wall and a new chapel with glass doors opening onto a tranquil garden.

The hospital hasn’t had a lobby since 2001. For years, patients and visitors had to enter through the ER.

Remboldt said the hospital can now put its best foot forward.

Mayor Paul Miller agreed, saying the new lobby’s much improved and distinct entrance is reflective of the quality of the institution.

“This new addition sends a clear message of the vision the Simi Valley Hospital supports, one focused on commitment and compassionate care and excellent service of hospital patients and their loved ones,” he said.

For Dr. Vipin Tandon, the hospital’s chief of staff, the best part about completing the lobby is getting to start on phase two.

“I can’t tell you enough how excited the medical staff is to be a part of this hospital at this stage,” he said. “Finally they are able to do what all physicians want—basically, to be able to practice patient care at a state-ofthe-art facility, and we have that now. For all of us, this is a dream come true.”

The lobby’s doors will open to the public Mon., Dec. 21.