Adventist Health Kern County announces expansion plans for health & well-being

As part of his commitment to update employees, medical staff, board members and the community, the president of Adventist Health Kern County Care Delivery has shared expansion plan details.

“I’m excited to provide an update of our strategic plans to expand our high-quality medical care as well as increase our support of well-being initiatives throughout Kern County,” said Daniel Wolcott. “Adventist Health has a wonderful opportunity to change lives, and we are blessed to be at the center of these exciting times!”

The vision for Adventist Health’s future in Kern County includes the following:

• Adventist Health Bakersfield

• Plans for expanding the capacity of our downtown location with a new tower and additional Emergency Department space as well as relocating the ED entrance
• An update on the future and focus for the Adventist Health Roth Family Campus at Brimhall and Coffee roads, which could include an ambulatory facility and urgent care, along with a possible collaboration for well-being initiatives with the Bakersfield Commons project

• Adventist Health Delano

• Plans for expanding the Emergency Department and adding space for Mother/Baby care.

• Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley

• The addition of an outpatient pavilion that will include future expansion of outpatient services, such as our rural health clinics, specialty services, dental services and rehab services.

The COVID-19 global pandemic influenced Adventist Health’s vision for Kern County, according to Wolcott.

“We’ve learned some very powerful lessons from our experiences with COVID-19 – lessons that will have major impacts and future significance in how we will move our vision forward,” he said. “For example, we know that more healthcare will be virtual and ambulatory and when people do need hospital care, it’ll be for higher-acuity care.”

Well-being will also be a focus – yet another influence of the pandemic, Wolcott said.

“We know everyone wants to live longer and better, so Adventist Health has invested in 30 years of research with demonstrated outcomes and actions that will improve longevity and well-being by acquiring the Blue Zones company,” he said. “We intend to leverage this research on behalf of the people of Kern County.”

Wolcott also stated that he will provide future updates to these various expansion plans as they become available.

“As these plans develop, we will continue to share the next steps of this continued journey to health, wholeness and hope throughout Kern County,” he said.