The vision of the community leaders who first conceived of Memorial Hospital in 1951 has been fulfilled and expanded many times!
Today your community hospital, Bakersfield Memorial, has completed its most challenging expansion project ever, the five-story West Tower that has significantly increased both the hospital's size and sophistication. The tower adds 24 new beds to the Intensive Care Unit, in addition to 60 private general medical care rooms and 30 private post-partum rooms for moms and babies. In addition, the tower expansion has made it possible to upgrade technology throughout the hospital to include facility-wide wireless monitoring of patients.
Our Emergency Department has also expanded to include a new eight-bed Heart and nationally certified Stroke Center. The physical structure of BMH was reinforced, rendering it compliant to meet State of California earthquake standards that won't be required until 2013. In addition, several areas of the hospital, parts that were built in 1956, have been updated—all this to meet the current and future demands of our patients.
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is the Southern Valley's largest regional medical center with 406 licensed acute care beds, 48 critical care beds, 13 state-of-the- science surgical suites, 19 bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a full complement of diagnostic laboratory and imaging services. The West Tower expansion underscores BMH's commitment to meeting the needs of Kern County today and tomorrow.
** OUR MISSION **
As an affiliate hospital of Catholic Healthcare West, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is dedicated to delivering health services that are compassionate, high-quality and affordable. We promote healthy lifestyles as an integral part of the community we serve, with a special concern for the underserved.
** OUR VISION **
A growing and diversified healthcare ministry distinguished by excellent quality and committed to expanding access to those in need.
** OUR VALUES **
The team members of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital value:
* DIGNITY
Respecting the inherent value and worth of each person.
* COLLABORATION
Working together with people who support common values and vision to achieve shared goals.
* JUSTICE
Advocating for social change and acting in ways that promote respect for all persons and demonstrate compassion for our sisters and brothers who are powerless.
* STEWARDSHIP
Cultivating the resources entrusted to us to promote healing and wellness.
* EXCELLENCE
Exceeding expectations through teamwork and innovation.
History Of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
In the early 1950s, the people of Bakersfield and Kern County found themselves in desperate need of a new hospital. A fundraising campaign was formed by civic leaders and healthcare professionals to raise money to build a true community hospital -- one owned and governed by the people. This drive led to the opening of the original 112-bed Greater Bakersfield Memorial Hospital in 1956.
Thanks to the continuing support of many donors, volunteers and local leaders, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has continued to grow and meet the needs of this community. Numerous construction projects completed throughout the years have made BMH the largest regional medical center in the Southern Valley. The facility now includes 430 general acute beds; 48 licensed critical care beds; 13 state-of-the-science surgical suites; a full-service Emergency Department with a Chest Pain Center and nationally certified Stroke Center; a newly expanded Birthing Center with a 19 bed NICU; four Cardiac Catheterization labs; a full complement of diagnostic laboratory and imaging services; outpatient surgery; and the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbarics.
In 1995, BMH decided that to ensure it could keep pace with area growth and continue to offer the most medically advanced services, it would be advantageous to affiliate with a large healthcare system; a system that shared the hospital's non-profit, mission-driven philosophy. After months of looking at possible partners, BMH chose Catholic Healthcare West, the largest faith-based hospital system in California. This affiliation was complete in 1996. It is important to note, however, that Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is only affiliated with CHW, not owned by CHW. BMH continues to be owned by the community, and governed by a board of directors composed of community leaders.
