ONTARIO, CA, November 1, 2011 – The Kaiser Permanente Ontario Medical Center opened its doors at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1, bringing more jobs to the Inland Empire and expanding Kaiser Permanente’s convenient health care offerings and sustainable building design. Designed with the patient in mind, this spacious 386,000 square foot hospital combines cutting-edge technology with a peaceful, patient-centered atmosphere.

The Ontario Medical Center is based on Kaiser Permanente’s “template” design that represents the next generation of Kaiser Permanente facilities. Its design allows for enhanced flexibility to accommodate changing practices and technologies, such as the addition of “green” features to the building. It is also designed to meet the new, more rigorous seismic safety standards.

“This state-of-the-art facility is one of the largest, greenest, and most technologically advanced ever built in the area, and we are thrilled to be opening our doors,” said Greg Christian, Executive Director, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals/Health Plan, Fontana and Ontario. “This investment symbolizes our commitment to the health of all people who live and work in the Inland Empire.”
Added Dr. David Quam, Area Medical Director and Chief of Staff,  “With this second Kaiser Permanente medical center in San Bernardino County, we are now better able to serve our members and the communities on the west end.  Our exceptional team of physicians is committed to providing patients with the best preventive and medical care.”

All patient rooms are private with an acoustic design that reduces noise. Walls are decorated with warm colors and artwork – inspired by nature and specially commissioned for this hospital. A family-friendly environment offers beds for overnight stays and wireless Internet access, amenities which enhance the overall care experience. Numerous sky lights and large windows maximize natural light which eases stress, is good for the environment, and contributes to a better patient experience.

“This hospital is all about the clinical and personal needs of our patients,” said Georgina Garcia, Chief Operating Officer.  “Our technology is state of the art, and our healing environment focuses on personalized care.  Patient meals will be utilizing the sous vide method for cooking food, used in the finest hotels, and patients can order their meals room service-style – select their menu choices and indicate the time they’d prefer meals to be delivered.”

The Ontario Medical Center incorporates advanced technology at every opportunity. It is the first medical center in the Kaiser Permanente system to have a fully integrated Information Technology infrastructure across the entire campus. Kaiser Permanente’s electronic medical record system is accessible by computer terminals next to each bed and at nursing stations, allowing providers to retrieve essential medical information at the touch of a finger. Sophisticated imaging systems improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. A wall-to-wall wireless network provides wireless network coverage in all areas of the campus to support computing devices, wireless telephones, and member access.

The new hospital is also a “green” facility.  Numerous environmentally-friendly design and operational features ensure that this new hospital is a place of health for the planet, too.
“Kaiser Permanente is committed to building environmentally-friendly health care facilities,” said William Meyer, Medical Group Administrator.  “The new Ontario Medical Center is reflective of our commitment to our members, as well as Kaiser Permanente physicians and staff, to be good stewards to the environment.”

Some of the industry-leading green features of the new Ontario Medical Center include:

• White, heat-reflective roof to reduce cooling needs
• Use of recycled water to irrigate landscape
• Drought-resistant landscaping
• Eco-friendly wall coverings and flooring
• Carpet and furnishings made of recycled content
• Energy-efficient lighting, electrical and plumbing systems
• Use of green cleaning products by housekeeping staff
• Elimination of mercury in medical equipment
• Use of low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint
• Campus-wide recycling program
• Bicycle racks to encourage clean, alternative transportation

Kaiser Permanente’s investment in the Ontario Medical Center is part of its continuing evolution in Southern California and nationally. In the last several years, the organization has committed billions of dollars in upgrades, new construction projects, and the future health of its members. The Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center replacement hospital will open in 2013.

About Kaiser Permanente 
Kaiser Permanente is America’s leading health care provider and not-for-profit health plan founded in 1945 with the mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. Care for our 8.6 million members is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert medicine is empowered by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management.  Through these innovations, along with clinical research, health education and community support, Kaiser Permanente is shaping the future of health care. For more information, go to www.kp.org/newscenter.

Kaiser Permanente’s Fontana and Ontario Service Area has provided comprehensive, affordable health care to the Inland Empire for more than 60 years and serves more than 400,000 members. The service area includes the Kaiser Foundation Hospitals in Fontana and Ontario, and medical offices in Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, Claremont, Montclair, Chino, San Bernardino, Victorville, Redlands, and Upland.