Big Bear, CA, February 10th, 2016 – Loma Linda University Health and the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District have entered into an affiliation agreement in order to enhance access to high quality care in the Bear Valley community. This agreement became effective November 30.
Under this affiliation agreement, Loma Linda University Health will provide resources to district-run Bear Valley Community Hospital, to enhance medical and hospital services to the Bear Valley community. Additionally, on-site specialty care in selected service areas will be developed, where feasible, at Bear Valley Community Hospital and the Bear Valley Community Hospital Rural Health Clinic.
The affiliation also provides for a streamlined system for patient referrals for those in need of specialty care not available at Bear Valley Community Hospital, such as oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, and neurosurgical services.
Under development is a plan to conduct regularly scheduled specialty services and consultations via telemedicine using telecommunication and information technologies that will provide clinical health care from a distance. The partnership is also exploring the establishment of a program where Bear Valley Community Hospital will serve as a rural training site for Loma Linda University medical students and residents.
David Faulkner, Chief Executive Officer of Bear Valley Community Hospital, said, “The mission of the Bear Valley Healthcare District is to deliver the highest quality healthcare to the residents of and visitors to Bear Valley through the most effective use of available resources. The affiliation with Loma Linda University Health is an exciting opportunity for us and for the community we serve.”
