History

At the close of World War II, the men and women of Tulare began working diligently to raise the funds to build their own hospital.

The hospital had been discussed in the community since 1937.  Several attempts to pass bond measures failed.  Then in January 1946, Tulareans passed two consecutive bond issues and with Federal government aid the Tulare Local Healthcare District was formed. The first hospital board was appointed by the County Board of Supervisors.

The construction of the new $1.1 million, 86-bed hospital began on May 23, 1949 with the groundbreaking ceremony.  Less than two years later, on February 18, 1951, the dedication ceremony for the long-awaited Tulare District Hospital (TDH) took place.

In the spring of 1958, a group of 21 Tulare women met to form the Tulare District Hospital Auxiliary whose purpose was to promote the welfare of TDH's patients and visitors.  Members were referred to as "Pink Ladies." The Auxiliary operated as a service organization until 1966 when the hospital's board authorized the Auxiliary to operate a gift shop in the hospital lobby. The Auxiliary has continued to grow and expand its duties. Now volunteers can be found in the Gift Shop and at Information Desks throughout the hospital.  In addition to their time, Auxiliary members donate $20,000 to $30,000 a year to the hospital for the purchase of patient care equipment The Tulare Hospital Foundation was established in 1987.  Organized by civic minded men and women, the Foundation is dedicated to educate the community about the excellent programs and services at TDH and to raise funds for hospital projects. 

In December of 1989 the hospital broke ground on the front expansion and renovation project. This project was completed in 1993 which included remodeled patient rooms, lobby, expanded ICU and new pediatric unit added for a total of $12 million.

Health care needs were changing and in 1995 Tulare Home Care began providing health services to home bound patients.  Then in 1998 TDH purchased Family X-ray Center to expand medical imaging services. In 2005 the hospital opened Evolutions Fitness and  Wellness Center and began outpatient rehabilitation services to support and encourage wellness behaviors in the community.

2009 brought many exciting changes to the hospital district.  First was an image change to Tulare Regional Medical Center. The logo and name change are more reflective of today's hospital.  Three Rural Health Care Clinics were opened providing access to primary and specialty medical care.  The Lindsay Healthcare Center, Cherry Healthcare Center and Hillman Healthcare Center provide services to nearly 42,000 patients each year. 

Today, Tulare Regional Medical Center is positioned to meet the healthcare needs of the region.  While remaining a General Acute Care Facility, licensed for 112 inpatient beds, our health care services are designed to meet the continuum of healthcare needs.  Tulare  Local Healthcare District,  DBA Tulare Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Scheduled to break ground in 2010 and slated for completion in 2012 is a $120 million, 115,000 square-foot medical tower bringing five floors of leading edge care, services and technology to more patients, more efficiently.

What began over 50 years ago as a simple, single building on a vacant lot in the country has changed the skyline and lives of many people in Tulare. Our accomplishments of the past are only an introduction to the greater things in our future.