Massive Hospital Proposal In Coachella Valley: Public Meeting Set

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Tenet Health, the operator of Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, is currently reviewing a hospital lease-purchase agreement, and the public is invited to learn more about it and weigh in.

Under the lease-purchase option with Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, Tenet's lease would be extended from 2027 to 2057. The $650 million deal includes bringing the hospital into seismic compliance by 2030 and addressing needs in local primary, specialty and behavioral health. The $650 million agreement — the full fair market value of Desert Regional Medical Center — includes a transfer of ownership of the hospital to Tenet at the end of the lease, according to Desert Healthcare District and Foundation.

The public can weigh in on the proposal during a 6 p.m. Aug. 1 community meeting at the University of California, Riverside, Palm Desert auditorium, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive. See the full meeting agenda at https://www.dhcd.org/.

The meeting is one in a series that has offered the public the opportunity to provide input on Tenet Health’s lease/purchase option, according to Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, which owns Desert Regional Medical Center.

"We are grateful to the residents who have taken time to offer their constructive thoughts about this proposal during this process," Desert Healthcare District and Foundation CEO Chris Christensen said. "Your feedback is invaluable as we explore the expansive health accessibility benefits of this deal and work to ensure quality medical care is always available in the Coachella Valley."

The Desert Healthcare District is a local government agency formed in 1948. The agency is touted as one of the largest funders of healthcare in the Coachella Valley.