Groundbreaking for Ramona Clinic due in June

Palomar Pomerado Health re-branded itself by taking "Pomerado" out of its name and adopting a new logo, the hospital system announced Tuesday.

Palomar Health plans to open an 11-story hospital in Escondido in August and break ground on a clinic in Ramona in June. The hospital will be a trauma center for Ramona and the rest of the healthcare district.

"This was the best time to do (the rebranding)," said T.E. (Ted) Kleiter, chairman of the board of directors.

"This is a history-making year for us," Kleiter said. "Our culture, our buildings, our brand and image are all evolving. It is my hope that our name and logo will complement the positive changes in the district and what is in store beyond 2012."

He said shortening the name has been a topic of discussion for the system for years. "Palomar" was kept because it is synonymous with area landmarks.

The changes will be incorporated on signs and printed material over the next several months. Pomerado Hospital in Poway will retain its name.

--City News Service