UCR Health Unveils Major Expansion to Enhance Medical Services in Riverside

UCR Health has announced a significant expansion of its medical facilities in Riverside, marking a pivotal step in enhancing healthcare services across the Inland Empire. The initiative involves developing a comprehensive medical complex at the intersection of Valley Springs Parkway and Gateway Drive.

The proposed site will feature an outpatient diagnostic center, with plans for future growth to include additional medical services. This development is a strategic move to address the region's pressing need for more primary and specialty care physicians, given its rapidly growing population.

Chancellor Kim Wilcox emphasized the project's significance, stating that the goal is to establish a robust medical center complex that will serve as a cornerstone for healthcare in the area. The long-term vision includes the creation of a teaching hospital that will contribute to medical education and patient care.

Tim Collins, CEO of UCR Health, highlighted the benefits of the expansion, noting that it will improve access to both primary and specialty care. Additionally, it will provide medical students with valuable residency opportunities within UCR Health facilities, fostering the growth of future healthcare professionals.

The Inland Empire, home to over 4.6 million residents, currently faces a shortage of primary care physicians, with approximately 40 per 100,000 people—significantly below the recommended 60-80. This expansion aims to bridge that gap, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive, high-quality medical services close to home.

The development is a collaborative effort with TDA Investments, which manages the 95-acre Canyon Springs Market Place. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.

UCR Health, the clinical arm of the UCR School of Medicine, currently serves over 45,000 patients annually. Since its establishment in 2013, the medical school has graduated 454 physicians, with a significant portion completing their residencies within the Inland Empire. This expansion is poised to further strengthen the university's role in addressing regional healthcare needs.

In line with its commitment to medical education, the UCR School of Medicine recently opened a 95,476-square-foot education building, allowing for an increase in class sizes from 80 to 125 students. This development complements the planned medical complex, reinforcing UCR's dedication to training the next generation of healthcare providers.

The expansion is set to unfold over the next decade, with the initial phase focusing on the outpatient diagnostic center. Future developments will be subject to legal and regulatory approvals, ensuring that the project aligns with community needs and standards.

This ambitious project reflects UCR Health's unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for the residents of Riverside and the broader Inland Empire region.