UCI Health celebrates first anniversary of UCI Health Community Network
Acquisition of four community hospitals strengthened health system’s ability to improve health in region
March 27, 2025
UCI Health President and CEO Chad T. Lefteris (third from left) and the UCI Health leadership team celebrate the one-year anniversary of the formation of the UCI Health Community Network.
Orange, Calif. — This week, UCI Health marks the first anniversary of the UCI Health Community Network, formed by the historic acquisition of four community hospitals and their associated outpatient locations. The acquisition transformed UCI Health, powered by the University of California, Irvine, into one of the state’s largest academic health systems with 1,317 beds.
UCI Health plays a unique and critical role providing healthcare in the region. The network’s creation builds on that commitment to improve health in communities by expanding unrestricted healthcare access for more people in Southern California.
“UCI Health has built a legacy as a nationally regarded academic health system that is fiercely dedicated to improving the health of our communities. We are investing in building a healthier future for people that harnesses the power of advanced medicine with the convenience of care available close to home,” said Chad T. Lefteris, president and chief executive officer of UCI Health.
Growth in access to care
Since the community network was established, UCI Health has cared for more patients than ever before and created greater access to vital healthcare services throughout the region.
Since March 27, 2024, the number of patients served has increased nearly 200%. Visits to UCI Health-owned ambulatory locations throughout the community also increased by 77%.
Enhancing the patient experience
In July 2024, the UCI Health Community Network Patient Experience Council was developed to ensure a consistent experience for patients across the four facilities: UCI Health — Fountain Valley, UCI Health — Lakewood, UCI Health — Los Alamitos and UCI Health — Placentia Linda.
Co-workers received training on effective communication techniques to enhance patient interactions, creating a healing environment and whole-person care, including mental health support and cultural competency.
“Collaboration across all areas of the hospital has been key in setting new patient experience goals and identifying strategies to achieve them,” said Kent Clayton, CEO of UCI Health — Los Alamitos.
“By working together, our co-workers and clinicians are strengthening our culture of innovation and service excellence, ensuring our patients receive the best possible care close to home.”
Centralizing transfers
To improve accessibility and ensure a more streamlined experience for patients, UCI Health has centralized patient transfer operations.
UCI Health — Fountain Valley became the first location to centralize transfers for all patients sent to UCI Health from other hospitals. UCI Health — Placentia Linda is on track to be integrated this spring, followed by Los Alamitos and Lakewood later this year. UCI Health — Irvine will be integrated upon its opening in December.
“Offering patients access to the right care, at the right time and in the most appropriate environment are essential pillars to successful outcomes in patient care,” said Randy Rogers, CEO of UCI Health — Fountain Valley.
Streamlining records
Last September, UCI Health launched an initiative to unify the health system’s medical records and workflows into a single, streamlined operation.
“Unifying our facilities on the same platforms will ensure our tools and workflows are standardized wherever you go within them,” says Doug Turner, vice president of enterprise applications at UCI Health.
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