[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 113 (Wednesday, September 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY DOMINICAN HOSPITAL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2006

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dominican 
Hospital on 65 years of high quality, passionate, and kindhearted 
healthcare in Santa Cruz County. Created by six Dominican Sisters from 
Adrian, Michigan, the Catholic hospital was duly named ``Sisters 
Hospital.'' Today, the hospital continues to approach the healthcare 
needs of the region by partnering faith with scientific innovations.
  Since its inception in 1941, ``Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital'' has 
consistently delivered comprehensive and modern medical care for the 
county. Part of the compassionate mission of Dominican Hospital is to 
``improve the health of the people of the greater Santa Cruz area, 
without distinguishing by race, creed, or source of payment . . .'' The 
hospital is known for partnering with other healthcare providers in 
order to improve the quality of life for those who are less fortunate.
  In 1951, ``Sisters Hospital'' became aware of the ever growing needs 
within the community for a comprehensive healthcare institution. Due to 
this realization, the hospital decided to expand its services and 
obtain a new location. The hospital acquired its Soquel Avenue location 
and renamed itself, Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital.
  In 1984, Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital, in a partnership with the 
County of Santa Cruz, agreed to provide the first inpatient mental 
health services program in the county. This was in response to the ever 
growing needs the hospital saw emerging within the community. Dominican 
Hospital, time and time again, proves its love for the community by 
constantly evaluating and reacting to the needs of the people, and I am 
very grateful to them.
  The hospital again expanded its services in 1988. It introduced the 
county to its first cardiac program. It also created Dominican Oaks, an 
assisted and independent living community, providing 206 residents with 
comprehensive medical support. Dominican also joined forces with 
Catholic Healthcare West, a hospital system of similar values and 
visions with locations throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada.
  Dominican Hospital now serves about 150,000 patients annually, has 
birthed over 75,000 children, and currently counts 379 beds on two 
campuses. The medical specialties available at the hospital are 
numerous. They include, but are not limited to, complete Emergency 
Services, a renowned Intensive Care Service, the only Level 2 and Level 
3 Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery in the county, Behavioral Health 
Services, and an array of outreach services, and educational options 
focusing on community needs and healtb prevention.

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