In a transformative development for downtown Los Angeles, Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) officially opened its $215+ million Grand Tower on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
This state-of-the-art facility, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by hospital executives, local leaders, and community members, promises to significantly enhance maternity and trauma services for the area’s diverse population.
As maternity services dwindle nationwide — 36 units closed in 2024 alone — CHMC’s commitment to bolstering maternal healthcare could not come at a more crucial time. Since 2012, California has lost at least 56 maternity wards, a trend that disproportionately affects urban communities.
Nearby facilities such as Centinela Hospital Medical Center ceased their maternity services in 2023, and St. Vincent Medical Center shuttered entirely in 2020, further straining resources in the region.
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The Grand Tower’s redesigned Family Birth Center represents a significant step forward. Expectant mothers now benefit from private triage, antepartum, and birthing rooms, creating a more dignified and comfortable experience.
The maternity unit also features 28 private postpartum rooms and 24 private Level III NICU rooms, providing specialized care for newborns requiring critical attention. This expansion is expected to serve approximately 2,400 deliveries and 500 NICU admissions annually, fostering a family-centered approach to care.
“The modernized maternity unit underscores our mission to deliver equitable, high-quality care to our community,” said Alina Moran, hospital president and CEO.
“For over 135 years, we’ve been a cornerstone of healthcare in Los Angeles, and the Grand Tower is a direct response to the growing needs of our residents.”
The expanded trauma services at CHMC — marking the 20th anniversary of its trauma program — reinforce the hospital’s role as a lifeline for the downtown area. The Emergency Department (ED) has more than doubled in size, featuring six new trauma bays equipped with cutting-edge technology. This investment addresses the critical demand for rapid response care in a community that annually treats 80,000 emergency patients, including 3,000 trauma cases.
Dr. Gudata Hinika, a board-certified trauma surgeon at CHMC, reflected on the program’s legacy.
“Two decades ago, when trauma care in this city was faltering, California Hospital rose to the challenge. Today, with this new facility, we’re reaffirming our commitment to providing exceptional, life-saving care to our most vulnerable patients,” said Hinika.
The expanded ED’s capacity to reduce wait times and ambulance diversions is critical in addressing the community’s growing healthcare demands. Enhanced services, including dedicated pediatric emergency rooms, specialized treatment areas, and private consultation spaces, ensure a more streamlined and compassionate patient experience.
Strategically located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, CHMC serves as a critical healthcare hub for the area’s 85,000 residents and 500,000 workers. The Grand Tower symbolizes more than architectural innovation — it embodies the hospital’s mission to promote health equity and address disparities that disproportionately affect underserved populations.
“By expanding access to trauma and maternity care, the Grand Tower strengthens the social fabric of our city,” said Jill Welton, market president of Dignity Health.
“This project represents a vital investment in the health and well-being of downtown Los Angeles.”
Community leaders echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of philanthropy in bringing the Grand Tower to life. Contributions from organizations such as the Thomas and Dorothy Levy Foundation and the Rafael and Cheryl Mendez Family Foundation played a crucial role in realizing this vision.
CHMC’s Grand Tower is poised to make a lasting impact on the health outcomes of Angelenos, particularly Black and underserved communities. With its cutting-edge facilities, culturally sensitive care, and unwavering commitment to health justice, the hospital is set to redefine healthcare delivery in Los Angeles.
“The Grand Tower is more than a building — it is a beacon of hope and a testament to our dedication to serving all with dignity and compassion,” said Moran as she concluded during the ribbon-cutting ceremony,
