After 55 years as LA County + USC, the county’s busiest medical facility has a new name.
As of Wednesday, the Boyle Heights hospital is officially the Los Angeles General Medical Center. The County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the name change during their meeting Tuesday, citing widespread confusion between its former name and the nearby Keck School of Medicine of USC.
With the new name and motto of “Exceptional Care. Healthy Communities”, the over 600-bed, Level One trauma center and academic hospital is hoping to build a strong, cohesive image that recognizes and honors the hospital’s long history and strong presence in the community.
“For years, I have heard from residents and stakeholders that they wanted to see a name that speaks to the campus’ history, resonates with our residents, and can be easily understood in Spanish and other languages,” said County Supervisor Hilda Solís.
“We are incredibly proud to unveil our new name and brand, bringing us one step into our future, while recognizing our past,” said LA General CEO Jorge Orozco at an unveiling ceremony Wednesday. Born and raised in Boyle Heights, Orozco said the hospital’s strong connection to the community through the patients it serves, its staff and volunteers was another reason for the change.
The new name is actually close to the hospital’s popular monicker, General Hospital – taken from the ABC soap opera in which the institution’s original 1933 building is featured.
The iconic Art Deco structure was replaced by a new facility in 2008. The building currently serves as The Wellness Center, offering a variety of services to the local community.
