Mission Hospital Laguna Beach Receives a $10 Million Gift from Laguna Beach Residents, Sue and Bill Gross

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- After months of thoughtful consideration, local philanthropists Sue and Bill Gross have donated $10 million to Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. In recognition of this generous gift, Mission Hospital is honored to name the Laguna Beach Emergency Department - The Sue and Bill Gross Emergency Department at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.

Sue and Bill Gross' Spirit of Giving will allow Mission Hospital Laguna Beach to implement a comprehensive plan that includes new imaging technologies, expanded and enhanced facilities, and the provision of emergency support services to ensure sustainability for generations to come. 

This gift will support the hospital's mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange by continually improving the health and quality of life of people in the communities we serve.

"I am inspired and humbled by the philanthropic leadership and compassion of Sue and Bill Gross," said Kenneth D. McFarland, president and chief executive officer of Mission Hospital.  "Their incredibly generous gift will have an immediate and substantial impact on the delivery of exceptional health care in Laguna Beach and the surrounding communities."

Mission Hospital acquired the Laguna Beach hospital just over five years ago (known then as South Coast Medical Center) and saved the vital community hospital from closure. Serving an average of 12,000 patients per year, the Laguna Beach Emergency Department is critical to the safety and well-being of Laguna Beach residents. With 24/7 access, it is the only Emergency Department in close proximity to provide services for the people who live, work and vacation in our coastal communities.

"Laguna Beach is our home and we wanted to help ensure that our community has access to emergency services locally," shared Sue Gross, President of the Gross Family Foundation. "We feel privileged to have an opportunity to partner with Mission Hospital Laguna Beach and to help care for our community."

The need for advanced imaging technology is critical in caring for emergency medicine patients. The Gross' gift will fund imaging enhancements that will enrich patient comfort and convenience, promote optimal healing and augment the efficiency of treatment. 

In addition to technology upgrades, the Emergency Department will be reconfigured to accommodate higher volumes of patients with varying degrees of illness and injury. Individual treatment areas will be created to increase the functional space via protective walls that maintain patient privacy.

"Mission Hospital is honored to be the recipient of such a historic gift," said McFarland. "Sue and Bill Gross are transforming the landscape of health care in south Orange County and inspiring others to invest in our future.  Their gift brings us even closer to completing Mission Hospital's $200 million comprehensive campaign."

The comprehensive campaign focuses on four strategic areas of growth:  advanced technology and facilities to support our various centers of excellence, nursing excellence to benefit training and education, community benefit programs for the underserved and healthy community initiatives, and endowment to sustain our future in clinical excellence. 

To learn more about the exceptional care and services at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, please visit www.mission4health.com or call (949) 499-1311. To donate to Mission Hospital, visit www.mission4health.com/donate.

About Mission Hospital

As a part of the St. Joseph Hoag Health network of care, Mission Hospital was founded in Mission Viejo in 1971 and has since grown to a two-campus facility with 552 beds and approximately 2,500 employees. Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo is an acute care, full-service facility providing advanced health care services and diagnostic care, and is the only designated trauma center in south Orange County. Mission Hospital Laguna Beach joined the Mission Hospital family and St. Joseph Health in 2009, providing south Orange County coastal communities with 24-hour emergency and intensive care as well as medical-surgical/telemetry services. Mission Hospital offers specialty care in behavioral health, imaging, heart, neuroscience and spine, orthopedics and women's services.

About Mission Hospital Foundation

Mission Hospital Foundation supports and assists Mission Hospital through philanthropy. The Foundation embodies the Spirit of Giving™ by building lifelong relationships with community members and raising funds for Mission Hospital.

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SOURCE Mission Hospital

Related Links

http://www.mission4health.com