With Lawsuit Tossed, Hospital Looks to Expand

A Los Angeles County judge rejected a lawsuit challenging the expansion of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Santa Clarita. The Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment sought to stop the expansion of the hospital on the grounds that the City of Santa Clarita had abused its discretion in approving the project. The court found there was “substantial evidence” the city followed its own development code and that an environmental impact report included a comprehensive analysis of the aesthetic impacts. The expansion project that includes the addition of up to 120 beds, a neonatal intensive care unit, expanded imaging services and intensive care unit, and more surgery suites has been in the works for at least four years. The hospital looks to begin construction in March on a new parking structure and helipad that will improve parking and emergency care, said President and CEO Roger Seaver. “Our community depends upon the services of its only hospital and it is imperative that we move forward with the master plan development so we can continue to provide our residents with the highest level of community health care,” Seaver said. “We will continue to work with the entire community to make the Henry Mayo Hospital campus the best it can be.” Mark R. Madler