County Approves New Lancaster Hospital

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a plan Tuesday to design and build a $98 million ambulatory center in Lancaster to replace the High Desert Hospital that was converted to an outpatient center in 2003. The proposal calls for a 124,000-square-foot facility at Avenue I and 3rd Street East to house a new surgery center, clinic building, administration and support facility and center plant. In a statement after the vote, Supervisor Mike Antonovich said the project would help reduce overcrowding at other healthcare facilities in the Antelope Valley and improve healthcare for the region. “This project has been a priority since the closing of High Desert Hospital three years ago,” said Antonovich, whose fifth district includes Lancaster. “The new health center will be designed and constructed with the needs of the community as the primary focus.” The county is working with the city to acquire the 15-acre property. Construction is expected to finish by late 2010 with full operation slated for 2013, according to Antonovich’s office Tuesday.