Why is Measure H on the ballot?

Since 1961, local residents of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista and nearby areas have relied on Tri-City Medical Center for life-saving, emergency medical and comprehensive health care services. However, recent health care industry changes have forced hospitals to adapt. Joining this trend, the locally-elected 7-member Tri-City Healthcare District Board of Directors voted unanimously last December to pursue a partnership with Sharp HealthCare. They knew that a private, world class provider with significant health care expertise could operate Tri-City Medical Center better and more efficiently than local government.

Adding to the Board of Directors’ sense of urgency is the fact that hospitals throughout the nation are in distress. One in 5 California hospitals are at risk of closure, and 71% have unsustainable margins. While Tri-City is making progress toward its turnaround goals, the Board of Directors views their role through the lens of long-term sustainability, not short term variability. Being part of Sharp’s integrated health care system will position Tri-City for future success in an increasingly challenging health care industry landscape.