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Our History

The Washington Township Hospital District was formed in 1948 by a group of public-minded citizens. Washington Hospital opened its doors 10 years later on November 24, 1958, as a district hospital licensed for 150 beds.

In January 1995, the district's name was changed to Washington Township Health Care District to reflect our mission to provide broad health care services in addition to hospital-based services. The district is governed by an elected board of directors made up of five members who each serve two- or four-year terms.

Today, we are known as Washington Hospital Healthcare System and we serve the residents of Fremont, Newark, Union City, and part of South Hayward and unincorporated Sunol and we encompass approximately 124 square miles of Southern Alameda County. The district's population is approximately 320,000.

Our comprehensive health care services include 24-hour emergency care; childbirth and family services; cardiac surgery, catheterization and rehabilitation; nutritional counseling; outpatient surgery; pulmonary function; crisis intervention; respiratory care; rehabilitation services (cardiac, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, stress); social services; laboratory; medical imaging; level II nursery, and hospice care.

Historical Highlights of Washington Township Health Care District

2020

  • In February, Washington Hospital established the Nancy Farber Patient First Ethic Award.
  • In February, WHHS began using 3D mammography as a diagnostic tool.
  • In March, the COVID-19 Command Center opened.
  • In March, the Rapid Screening and Treatment Unit (RSTU) opened to facilitate receiving potential COVID-19 patients away from general Emergency Department patients.
  • In March, a BioFire Analyzer for in-house COVID-19 testing was purchased and installed.
  • In April, WTMF clinics began virtual consults for patients who did not require in-person visits.
  • In April, Health & Wellness seminars, support groups and other meetings resumed virtually.
  • In July, the Washington Township Health Care District board approved a resolution to place on the Nov. ballot, a $425 million bond measure to help fund Phase III of the Facilities Master Plan to replace the Main Hospital building with a new seismically-compliant facility.
  • In September and October, Washington Urgent Care and WTMF sponsored drive-thru flu vaccination clinics.

2019

  • In April, after 35 years of service, 25 as CEO, Nancy Farber announced her retirement.
  • In June, the pet therapy program, WOOF, launched.
  • In July, Kimberly Hartz formally accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer.
  • In August, a ribbon-cutting ceremony established the renaming of the WTMF Newark clinic to the Danielson Clinic Newark, honoring Patricia “Pat” Danielson.
  • In October, the Pharmacy Residency Program was reaccredited for eight additional years.

2018

  • In February, Washington Hospital Healthcare System earned the Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals award.
  • U.S. News & World Report named Washington Hospital one of the Best Regional Hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area, with special recognition in three areas of care.
  • In June, the renovation project for the Food & Nutrition Services kitchen and café were completed.
  • In September, community leaders attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion.
  • In October, Top Hat celebrated 30 years.
  • In October, Think Pink celebrated 10 years.
  • In October, WHHS hosted the Neuroscience Symposium.
  • In November, the Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion (MHCCP) opened.
  • In November, Washington Hospital celebrated its 60-year anniversary.

2017

  • In March, Washington Hospital Healthcare System earned the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence for a 4th Consecutive Year.
  • In May, the electronic medical records, Epic, upgrade was completed.
  • In December, in collaboration with UCSF, the Prenatal Diagnostic Clinic opened.
  • Washington Hospital received the Practice Greenhealth’s Partner for Change Award

2016

  • In July, Washington Hospital hosted the 8th Bay Area Advances in Neurosciences Symposium.
  • In June, construction on Washington Hospital's new parking garage reached completion.
  • In February, Washington Hospital received the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award.

2015

  • In December, Washington Hospital implemented a new laboratory information system, Beaker, to support workflow for clinical pathology and laboratory services.
  • In October, Washington Hospital Healthcare System became a Five-Star Recipient of Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award (top 5% in nation for overall orthopedic services).
  • In October, Washington Hospital Healthcare System earned a Five-Star Rating from Healthgrades for Stroke Treatment.
  • In August, Washington Hospital received Joint Commission Accreditation for its Clinical Lab.
  • In August, an Inpatient Pediatric Surgery Program with UCSF began.
  • In August, US News & World Report Ranked Washington Hospital Number Four on the List of "Best Regional Hospitals" in the San Francisco-Oakland Metro Area.
  • In July, Washington Hospital launched an updated version of its website.
  • In May, Washington Hospital received the 2015 Environmental Excellence Award by Practice Greenhealth.
  • In May, Washington Hospital received the Best of Fremont Award.
  • In May, WeCare, Washington Hospital's comprehensive electronic health record system, underwent an upgrade from the 2010 to the 2014 version.
  • In March, the Washington Hospital Service League celebrated its 60th Anniversary.
  • In February, Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion Groundbreaking took place with construction scheduled for completion in late 2018.
  • In February, the Washington Hospital campus and all related health care system entities became smoke- and tobacco-free zones.
  • In January, parking garage construction began with construction scheduled for completion in February 2016.

2014

  • In November, an Advanced Heart Failure Outreach Clinic in Fremont in collaboration w/UCSF.
  • In November, a Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Fremont in collaboration w/UCSF.
  • In October, Washington Hospital began its Lean transformation journey, which is based on the extensively proven Toyota Production System.
  • In August, US News & World Report ranked Washington Hospital 4th on the list of "Best Regional Hospitals" in the San Francisco-Oakland Metro Area.
  • In August, Washington Hospital earns an unconditional three-year accreditation from the Joint Commission.
  • In August, the Care Everywhere Application, a tool within the Epic electronic medical record that is used to securely share patient records with other health care providers, is launched.
  • In July, the 7th Bay Area Neurosciences Symposium at Washington Hospital where nationally and internationally recognized experts discussed a wide range of topics focused on neurological diseases, disorders, and treatment approaches. The program coordinators were Dr. Sandeep Kunwar, neurosurgeon; Dr. David Larson, radiation oncologist; and Dr. Moses Taghioff, neurosurgeon.
  • In April, the Stroke Program received AHA Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and the Target Stroke Honor Roll Award.
  • In March, Washington Hospital earned the distinction as a "Baby-Friendly Hospital" from the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a global program launched by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

2013

  • In December, Washington Hospital celebrated the expansion of our Biplane Cardiac Catherization Laboratory and Radiology Room.
  • In October, Washington MyChart, a new online patient portal was rolled out in certain areas within Washington Hospital Healthcare System. MyChart offers patients personalized and secure on-line access to portions of their medical records.
  • In August, Washington Hospital's Stroke Program was recognized as a recipient of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With the Guidelines Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and the Target Stroke Honor Roll Award for improving stroke care.
  • In July, Washington Hospital successfully launched "We Care," a new electronic medical records program. The new electronic medical record (EMR) puts a patient's health information at the fingertips of their medical provider within Washington Hospital Healthcare System.
  • In July, Washington Hospital and Kidango's Washington Township Child Care Center celebrated the annivesary of a 10-year partnership improving early education for hundreds of Fremont and Tri-City Area children.
  • In June, Washington Hospital Healthcare System and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center announced a collaborative relationship to create a comprehensive, integrated regional health care network serving the needs of our local community.
  • In June, Washington Hospital's Pharmacy Department graduated their first Pharmacy Practice Residents. Washington Hospital is part of an elite group offering a pharmacy residency.
  • In May, Alameda County honored Washington Hospital for the quality and effectiveness of its response to cardiac arrest by giving it a Professional Partner "Star" Award for the staff's "teamwork in administering life-saving interventions to a cardiac arrest patient."
  • In May, the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) named Washington Hospital as one of only 79 organizations nationwide to receive its coveted Outstanding Achievement Award based on cancer program surveys conducted in 2012.
  • In April, Washington Hospital received a three-year accreditation designation of its Breast Health Program from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

2012

  • In November, Washington Township Health Care District residents unanimously approved Measure Z to fund the Hospital's long term master plan to expand and upgrade intensive and critical care facilities.
  • In November, Washington Hospital was named by Healthgrades as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement in the Bay Area for two years in a row (2012-2013).
  • In October, Washington Hospital was honored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with its Bronze Medal of Honor for its work to reduce the number of people waiting for an organ or tissue transplant.
  • In August, U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington Hospital number four on the list of "Best Regional Hospitals" in the San Francisco metro area, which includes the East Bay. Only eight of the 45 hospitals in this region were accorded this prestigious ranking.
  • In July, Washington Hospital's Women's Center was designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This designation is given to those Breast Imaging Centers that have demonstrated high quality in all areas of breast imaging.
  • In June, Washington Hospital was named by Healthgrades as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement in 2012.
  • In June, Healthgrades named Washington Hospital a Five-Star Recipient for Joint Replacement for seven years in a row (2006-2012). The Hospital also received Healthgrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award for six years in a row, and was ranked among the Top 10 in California for Joint Replacement (#3 in 2012) for seven years in a row.
  • In June, Healthgrades ranked Washington Hospital among the top 5 percent in the nation for Treatment of Stroke and also awarded the Hospital with a Stroke Care Excellence Award.
  • In June, Healthgrades named Washington Hospital as a Five-Star Recipient for Neurosciences.
  • In June, Healthgrades named Washington Hospital a Five-Star Recipient for Back and Neck Surgery (Spinal Fusion) for three years in a row.
  • In June, Healthgrades named Washington Hospital a Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement for nine years in a row.
  • In June, Healthgrades named Washington Hospital a Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement for seven years in a row.
  • In May, Washington Hospital celebrated the grand opening of the new Center for Joint Replacement building. The facility’s opening marks the beginning of a new era for joint care at the Hospital.
  • In May, Practice Greenhealth awared Washington Hospital a 2012 “Partner for Change, with Distinction” award in recognition of the Hospital’s ongoing sustainability and environmental conservation efforts.
  • In April, Washington Hospital celebrated the opening of its new Maternal Child Education Center. New and expecting parents benefit from the centralized site that focuses on all of their pre- and post-natal education needs.
  • In January, Washington Hospital celebrated the opening of its new Newark Clinic. The Hospital has supported a clinic in Newark for nearly 30 years. The location at 6236 Thornton Ave. was selected to bring community health care services closer to where the citizens of Newark live and work.

2011

  • In December, Washington Hospital celebrated the opening of its new central utility plant. The 37,000 square foot plant, completed ahead of schedule and meeting every emissions standard, is critical because it will power all of our facilities of the future with three times the generating power of the old plant, provides life-saving power in the event of an emergency, and is seismically sound.
  • In October, Washington Hospital and Washington Township Medical Foundation co-sponsored an American Heart Association Heart Walk.
  • In October, Washington Hospital opened the Sandy Amos, RN Infusion Center, offering a comfortable, tranquil and patient-centered environment for patients who require frequent infusion therapy.
  • In September, Washington Hospital received Magnet® status designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet status means that the Hospital provides a superior level of health care for patients, displays innovative practices and employs nurses as part of its team who perform excellent work. Washington Hospital is only the fifth hospital in the Bay Area and 24th in California to achieve this recognition. Only 6.7 percent of hospitals in the United States have earned this status.
  • In September, Washington Hospital was surveyed by the Joint Commission and received a preliminary report giving accreditation for the maximum term possible with praise for the quality of care provided to the residents of the District.
  • In September, The Joint Commission named Washington Hospital as a Top Performer on Key Quality and Patient Safety Measures.™ It is a prestigious distinction, awarded to an elite group of 405 hospitals across the country that followed 22 important best practices 95 percent of the time or better.
  • In August, Washington Hospital -- for the third time in a row -- was awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers.
  • In August, InHealth earned a bronze Telly Award for "Inside Washington: Advances in Cardiac Care." The award-winning program was selected from more than 14,000 entries from around the country.
  • In July, the Hospital implemented Concierge Services to serve patients, their families and Hospital staff.
  • In April, Washington Hospital received the Chamber of Commerce’s Chair Award for unwavering support and critical contributions to the success of the Chamber. This is the highest honor given by the Chamber of Commerce.
  • In April, Washington Hospital received a "2011 Partner for Change Award" from Practice Greenhealth. The award recognizes the Hospital’s achievements in developing programs to prevent pollution, reduce and recycle solid waste, eliminate mercury, reduce water and energy consumption and establish "green" purchasing policies.
  • In April, Healthgrades ranked Washington Hospital among the top 15 percent in the nation for treatment of stroke and named its Stroke Program as Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Stroke.
  • In April, Healthgrades named Washington Hospital's Center for Joint Replacement (CJR) as the number one joint replacement program in California. CJR has now ranked among the top 10 in California six years in a row, and among the top 5 percent in the nation for five years in a row.
  • In April, Washington Hospital received the 2011 Healthgrades Award for Patient Safety Excellence, which places the Hospital among the top five percent in the nation for Patient Safety. Washington is the only hospital in the East Bay and among one of only 268 hospitals nationally to receive this distinction.
  • In March, the Washington Hospital Medical Staff received from Professional Research Consultants (PRC) the 4-star award for excellence in the areas of Anesthesia Services and Medical Records. The award is based on a Medical Staff survey conducted for hospitals that score in the top 25 percent based on local physician ratings.
  • In March, The Center for Joint Replacement received the 5-star and the "Top Performer" customer service awards from Healthgrades for Inpatient Orthopedics Overall Quality of Care. The CJR scored in the top 10 percent nationally based on "Excellent" patient responses.
  • In March, Washington Hospital received 2011 National Excellence in Healthcare Award from Professional Research Consultants (PRC) for outstanding quality of care in Orthopedics, Anesthesia Services and Medical Records.
  • In January, The Washington Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine celebrated its grand opening. Located near the Hospital on Civic Center Drive, the 4,000-square-foot space includes two hyperbaric chambers. The chambers speed up healing by delivering increased amounts of oxygen to the entire body and especially the wound area.

2010

  • In November, in recognition of Fremont Bank Foundation's $1.5 million grant to help support the construction of Washington Hospital's new critical care pavilion, the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation is naming the pavilion "The Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion."
  • In November, Washington Hospital received the 2010 StopWaste Business Efficiency Award for outstanding achievements in waste reduction and environmental performance. The Hospital was singled out with 11 other local companies and organizations by StopWaste.org, which is facilitated by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority. Since the Hospital’s Green Team was formed in 2008, several facility-wide recycling and compostable collection programs have been implemented. Highlights in the last year have included a successful take-back program for the public, allowing people to drop off unwanted or unused medications for safe disposal. This program collected two tons of medications in 2009.
  • In October, Washington Hospital's Center for Joint Replacement (CJR) received a Five-Star Customer Service Award from Professional Research Consultants (PRC). To achieve this, the Center for Joint Replacement scored in the top 10 percent nationally based on "Excellent" patient responses in the category of "Inpatient Orthopedic Services Overall Quality of Care."
    Even more impressive is the fact that The Center for Joint Replacement received the Top Performer Award for 2007, 2009 and 2010 for obtaining the highest ranking nationally of all orthopaedic surgery units surveyed. The Top Performer Award is PRC’s highest honor.
  • In August, Washington Hospital's Stroke Program earned top honors by receiving the Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award as part of the American Stroke Association’s (ASA) Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) program, a national evidence-based initiative to improve stroke patients’ outcomes. Hospitals receiving the Gold Plus Award have reached an aggressive goal of treating stroke patients with 85 percent or higher compliance to core standard levels of care for 24 consecutive months.
  • In May, Washington Hospital held a health fair and open house celebrating the opening of the new Washington Outpatient Diabetes Center. The program is certified by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is recognized by the ADA for Quality Self-Management Education.
  • In March, Washington Hospital's Community Cancer Program received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Washington Hospital is only one of four hospitals in California and one of 82 hospitals in the country to receive this recognition.
  • In February, Washington Hospital held a ceremonial ground breaking for the new Center for Joint Replacement. Since 1998, the Center for Joint Replacement has become one of the West Coast's leading joint replacement programs and has been a pioneer in minimally invasive hip and knee replacement surgery. The 20,000 square-foot replacement building will consist of three stories with 40 patient rooms. The new facility is scheduled to be completed by early 2012.
  • In February, Washington Hospital along with more than 20 other Bay Area hospitals responded to the Haiti earthquake medical relief effort. Washington Hospital sent two shipments of surplus medical supplies and equipment to help those most in need.

2009

  • In August, The Washington Outpatient Rehabilitation Center moved to a new facility located close to Washington Hospital at 39141 Civic Center Drive, Suite 120, in Fremont. The spacious, 5500 square-foot facility was designed specifically to meet the needs of patients undergoing outpatient orthopedic physical therapy and/or occupational therapy. In addition, the facility provides a wider array of services offered through the new Legacy Strength Training Program.

  • In July, The Washington Township Health Care District Board of Directors approved a $100,000 grant to George Mark Children’s House, a pediatric palliative care facility. As the only freestanding pediatric palliative-care facility of its kind in the United States, George Mark Children’s House’s mission is to relieve the suffering associated with chronic, lifespan limiting and end-of-life illnesses by focusing on preserving the dignity and integrity of the child, providing expert pain and symptom management and achieving the best possible quality of life as defined by the child and family.

  • In May, Washington Hospital was honored with a "Partner Recognition Award" by Practice Greenhealth, a national membership organization for health care facilities committed to environmentally responsible operations. The award is one of the organization's Environmental Excellence Awards given each year to honor outstanding environmental achievements in the health care sector.
  • In May, Washington Hospital’s Stroke Program received the Silver Performance Achievement Award as part of the American Stroke Association’s (ASA) Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) program, a national evidence-based initiative to improve stroke patients’ outcomes. The ASA program recognizes hospitals across the country whose stroke treatment programs have shown consistent compliance with measures proven to maximize outcomes.

2008

  • In November, Washington Hospital Healthcare System began the first phase of several renovation projects that will take place at Washington Hospital over the next several years. The Consolidated Central Plant Project is the first building that will be funded, in part, by Measure FF, a $190 million bond measure approved by voters in November 2004.
  • In October, Washington Hospital celebrated its 50th Anniversary by staging an Emergency Preparedness Health Fair. The fair was a great way for children and adults to learn important safety information from fire, public safety and emergency professionals. Highlighting the event was a special birthday dedication to those that were born at the Hospital in the first year that it was open.
  • In October, Washington Hospital hosted its first ever Men's Health Fair. More than 225 people took part in the day's activities that included health screenings, interactive health information booths and a panel discussion.
  • In August, InHealth, Washington Hospital's cable channel marked its third anniversary by receiving TV honors for two original productions from the 29th Annual Telly Awards. The winning programs, Inside Washington Hospital: Pediatric Care, hosted by Dr. John Thomas Mehigan earned a silver Telly award, and Your Concerns InHealth: Pediatric Care - The Preschool Years, hosted by Dr. Barbara Kostick received a bronze Telly award. The programs were selected as standouts from more than 14,000 entries from around the country.
  • In May, Washington Hospital Healthcare System celebrated the grand opening and dedication of the Taylor McAdam Bell Neuroscience Institute. The Institute is named in honor of former Washington Hospital general counsel Taylor McAdam Bell, who lost his courageous battle with brain cancer in 2006.

  • In May, More than 2,000 people attended Washington Hospital's first annual "Health Care Grand Slam" sponsored by the Hospital and Cisco Field, the future home of the Oakland A's. Participants had the chance to see the future of medical technology, meet current A's players and receive free health screenings.

  • In March, Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation's Community Cultural Event featuring multi-award winning performer Rita Moreno raised more than $10,000 for Washington Hospital's Stroke Response Program.
  • In February, the Washington Hospital Service League presented a $60,000 check as a second installment of a $300,000 pledge over the next five years for the Hospital's Critical Care and Emergency Room Building Fund. This pledge marked a significant milestone, helping the Service League push its total donations to the Hospital to more than $2 million dollars.
  • In January, Washington Hospital hosted a Community Forum on Health Care Reform. The forums featured some of the leading voices in health care reform. Panelists discussed and debated ideas and proposals for health care reform at the state and national level. Spectators were able to ask questions and participate in all three forum discussions.

2007

  • In April, Washington Hospital Healthcare System celebrated the grand opening of the new Washington Women's Center and Outpatient Imaging Center. Located across the street from the main hospital inside Washington West, both centers offer a wide range of high quality diagnostic services and wellness programs all in one convenient location, providing community residents centralized access to top-notch medical care in a comfortable environment.
  • In May, To mark the official opening of Washington Hospital's new Taylor McAdam Bell Neuroscience Institute and the Gamma Knife Program, the hospital hosted the first annual Advances in Neurosciences Symposium. The program was co-sponsored by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and featured leading physician specialists from around the world who discussed the Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ and advances in brain tumor therapy, spine surgery and neurodegenerative disorders, and controversies in cerebrovascular disease.
  • In June, Washington Hospital becomes the first hospital outside of Europe to treat patients using the new Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion™, the most advanced non-invasive device for the treatment of brain disorders. Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ is a treatment device that delivers doses of focused radiation without making a single cut to reach even the deepest brain tumors while sparing surrounding tissue. The device can also treat additional disorders, such as brain metastases, vascular malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
  • The Diabetes Education Program at Washington Hospital received the prestigious American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education program. The association's Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the national standards for quality diabetes self-management education programs.
  • Washington Hospital Healthcare System joins a select number of hospitals in the United States by earning the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. Washington Hospital is one of only two hospitals in Alameda County with this distinction and among 33 in the state to achieve this status.

2006

  • Nakamura Clinic, Union City Opened
  • Lymphedema Clinic Opened
  • Washington Hospital receives the 2006 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence from HealthGrades; a leading, nationwide health care ratings organization. The distinction places Washington Hospital among the top five percent in the nation for clinical excellence.
  • In November, 2006 - Washington Hospital Healthcare System holds an event for the new Central Plant, marking the beginning of renovation and expansion projects that will take place at Washington Hospital over the next several years. It is the first building that will be funded, in part, by Measure FF, a $190 million general obligation bond measure approved by voters in 2004.

2005

  • Nakamura Clinic, Union City open house held in December. The clinic is scheduled to open in January 2006.
  • InHealth, A Washington Hospital Channel began airing original health programming on Comcast Cable channel 78 for those who live in Fremont, Newark and Union City.
  • Washington Hospital joins the efforts of hospitals nationwide by participating in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) 100,000 Lives Campaign.

2004

  • OB hospitalist program was established.
  • Richard M. Warren Nursing Skills Lab opened.
  • Bras for Body & Soul opened at Washington West, 2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont.
  • Lymphedema Services program began.
  • Washington Township Health Care District residents approved Measure FF to fund the hospital's expansion.

2003

  • Washington Hospital awarded a $1.5 million grant to Ohlone College's nursing program to help expand the program.
  • W.O.W. Mobile Health Clinic was licensed and began making regular stops around the District providing care.
  • Emergency department expanded adding eight new bays.
  • Little Washington Township Child Care Center opened. The center is managed in partnership with Kidango.
  • Pediatric hospitalist program was established.

2002

  • Sixth floor opened expanding the number of patient rooms at Washington Hospital to 337.
  • The Institute for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery was established.

2001

  • Sports medicine program was established.
  • Infant develepment program began at Washington Clinic/Newark in partnership with Lucille Packard Children's Hospital.
  • Washington-Stanford Sleep Disorder Center opened in Washington West.
  • New Washington-Stanford Radiation Oncology Center opened, which included a new linear accelerator and simulator.
  • Washington Senior Care "medigap" insurance product was established.
  • Care Card program was established.
  • Digital Mammography began in Mammography Center in Washington West.
  • Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditoriums opened.

2000

  • Community Mammogram Program was established providing free mammograms to the uninsured residents in our District.
  • Washington Township - A Pictorial History was published by the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation.

1999

  • Center for Joint Replacement opened. The Center offered a range of state-of-the-art services and was a Bay area pioneer in minimally invasive hip surgery.
  • Washington Hospital was named to the "Top 100 Hospitals: Cardiovascular Hospitals" by HCIA.
  • Tattoo Removal Program was implemented. The program was designed to help teenagers and young adults make positive changes in their lives by removing symbols of past negative behaviors and actions associated with gang and drug activities. This program coordinated tattoo removal with mentoring and other social support services.

1998

  • The Health Care District's new Washington West building opened. It featured Washington Hospital's new Community Health Resource Library, a greatly expanded cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation center, the Washington Hospital Health Insurance Information Service, an expanded Washington Clinic and Fremont's only elevated pedestrian bridge, which served as a safe means of travel for patients, visitors and employees crossing Civic Center Drive.
  • Washington Hospital and Ohlone College collaborated to offer a physical therapy assistant program to the community. In the fall, it accepted its first class of students.

1997

  • Washington's new MRI center, operated through a joint venture with Alliance Imaging, scanned its first patient.

1996

  • Washington Hospital's Ohlone Student Health Center opened its doors to offer health education and wellness programs to the campus' 8,000 students.
  • The first of its kind in the Bay area, Washington Hospital's Health Insurance Information Service opened. The free service offered help in understanding complicated insurance language and guided consumers through the process of selecting a health plan.
  • More than 900 children and parents attended the Washington Hospital Employees' Association's first annual Children's Health & Safety Fair.

1995

  • The Washington Hospital Service League celebrated its 40th anniversary. Over the years, volunteers had contributed more than 1 million hours of service, and more than $1 million in donations.
  • The Amanda Fund, established for Amanda May Uhler - a local infant who died of a rare heart condition - generously contributed $47,500 to benefit Childbirth and Family Services at Washington. In honor of the gift, a newly refurbished waiting area near the Birthing Center was officially named the Amanda Room.
  • Newborn Amrit Kaur was the first patient of Washington's new special care nursery. The six-bassinet unit, operated by Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital and Washington Hospital, served newborns that need specialized care.

1993

  • The freestanding Washington Birthing Center was incorporated into the hospital's newly upgraded Birthing Center on the hospital's second floor.

1992

  • Washington celebrated the opening of its Outpatient Catheterization Laboratory.
  • The Washington Township Health Care District Board of Directors approved a $47.2 million, six-year expansion project that would increase the Healthcare System's main campus to 25 acres. The project included the purchase of the former Emporium Capwell department store at 2500 Mowry Avenue. The new building would be called Washington West.
  • Washington Outpatient Rehabilitation Center opened. It featured occupational and physical therapy, a whirlpool and indoor swimming pool.

1988

  • A new Medical Imaging Laboratory opened in memory of longtime board member Thomas E. Lowden.
  • Mitchell John Thompson of Fremont was the first baby born at the new Washington Birthing Center, the nation's largest freestanding facility. One hundred ninety babies were born there in the center's first year.

1987

  • A newborn infant, just hours old, was found abandoned in a Fremont gas station just before Christmas and is brought to Washington Hospital. Nurses named her "Holly Noelle Washington." The tiny patient attracts widespread attention and was soon adopted.
  • The Washington Hospital Foundation held its first Top Hat Dinner/Dance fundraiser. More than 300 guests helped raise $26,000.

1986

  • The first open-heart surgery was performed at Washington Hospital, expanding its comprehensive cardiac care program.
  • The Washington Hospital Foundation held its first annual Gene Angelo Pessagno Golf Tournament to benefit local hospice care. More than 100 golfers participated.

1985

  • Children from Elk Grove School District were treated at Washington Hospital following a tragic bus accident on I-680.
  • Washington physicians joined with the hospital to open the Washington Outpatient Surgery Center.

1984

  • Washington Hospital and Stanford University's School of Medicine collaborated to provide local cancer treatment services to Tri-City patients through the new Washington-Stanford Radiation Oncology Center.

1983

  • The Washington Hospital Foundation was organized to raise funds in support of hospital programs. Don Amsbaugh was elected its first president. The Washington Hospital Service League provided $35,000 to help establish the organization.
  • Washington Hospital opened its first community-based clinic in Fremont. In the next two years, three more opened in Newark, Warm Springs and Union City.

1974

  • Washington's six-floor expansion project was completed.

1971

  • The Washington Hospital Employees' Association was founded to foster good community relations and support hospital programs and services.

1969

  • Washington Township residents approved a bond issue to support a major hospital expansion that would add six floors and increased the number of beds from 150 to 265.

1963

  • On June 7, Washington Hospital's new Intensive Care Unit accepted its first patient. The unit, made possible through a $10,000 donation from the Service League, was the first such unit west of the Mississippi River that was not associated with a teaching facility.

1961

  • Joseph and Rebecca Reyna were the proud parents of Washington's first set of triplets, born April 15.

1959

  • Tommy and Timmy Rogers were Washington's first twins, born to Clifford and Esther Rogers on February 6.

1958

  • Washington Hospital hired its first employee, chief engineer Bob Solon.
  • The community celebrated the hospital's completion at a November 2 ceremony.
  • Washington Hospital opened on November 24. Michaela Parrish is the first baby born in the new facility.

1955

  • Residents dedicated to the community and health care established the Washington Hospital Service League to volunteer support and provide funds to the community's new hospital. On May 11, 75 women attended the organization's first meeting, held in the courtroom of the Alameda County Building in Centerville.
  • On a 10-acre site purchased from the Stivers family on Santos Road (now Mowry Avenue), Washington Township Board members broke ground for Washington Hospital. The location was chosen because it was situated in the center of the District.

1953

  • Washington Hospital Medical Staff was organized. There were nine physicians on the staff to care for 18,000 residents. Merle Buehler, M.D., was elected the first Chief of Staff.

1948

  • An overwhelming majority of voters approved the creation of the Washington Township Health Care District (known then as a Hospital District). Its first board of directors included A.E. Alameda, Fred Melhase, Manuel F. Silva, Allan Walton and Lester Whitaker, who was elected the board's first president by his fellow directors.