TR Robertson -It was an early morning start for Sharp Healthcare CEO Chris Howard and many of his staff and personnel as they started their day at Tri-City Medical Center, introducing themselves to the night staff finishing their duties and the incoming morning staff arriving at the medical center. Howard and members of Sharp Healthcare wanted to meet and greet the Tri-City personnel and show them how happy they were in becoming a part of the new partnership involving Sharp Healthcare and Tri-City Medical Center. This was just a prelude to the larger ceremony that would take place just outside of the entrance to Tri-City Medical Center that day that would finalize the dedication of the partnership. Chris Howard and his staff also planned on continuing the day after the ceremony, wandering through the halls of Tri-City Medical Center, meeting physicians, nurses and personnel, even staying until the evening shift changeover took place.
The dedication ceremony took place just outside of Tri-City Medical Center, beginning around 10:30 am. Tri-City Medical Center President and CEO, Dr. Gene Ma, welcomed the large crowd in attendance, emphasizing what a meaningful and important day this was, culminating weeks of negotiations, discussions and decisions to join in a partnership with Sharp Healthcare, ensuring the continued strong healthcare coverage for North County residents. He introduced a representative of the U.S. Marine Corps, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a prayer from Tri-City Hospital Chaplain, Garry Hodges.
After introducing a number of dignitaries in attendance, Dr. Ma spoke about his experience in the medical field for 26 years and the growth of Tri-City Medical Center. He said the partnership with Sharp Healthcare was a huge step in ensuring the expansion of medical services in North County. The passage of Measure H in the recent election showed the public’s concern as the measure passed with a 93.32% pass rate, unheard of in most elections. It showed this public-private partnership was of concern to those in North County. He said the women’s rebirth facilities would be returning to Tri-City with the addition of the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns. He thanked the Tri-City Board of Directors, the medical staff and all personnel for their dedication and support in making the partnership take place. Dr. Ma also introduced surfboard legend Guy Takayama who had designed a special surfboard and logo that will be displayed in the Sharp Tri-City Medical Center entry way.
Speaking next was Tracy Younger, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Tri-City Medical Center. She also congratulated everyone who had a part in making the passage of Measure H a success. Younger said everyone is very happy in bringing the Sharp Experience to North County and this is “Day 1 of a new chapter for the hospital”. Chris Howard, CEO of Sharp Healthcare, spoke about the importance of the day in meeting a milestone for North County. He said the Sharp Experience will be the formation of a new partnership for everyone and said the Tri-City staff is a special organization. Thanking everyone
