Palomar Health history

In 1948, the Northern San Diego County Hospital District was formed, and it is known today as Palomar Health.

In February 1950, Palomar Memorial Hospital opened with a capacity of 37 beds.

In 1970, the McLeod Tower was built to meet the needs of the growing community.

In 1977, the Northern San Diego Hospital District supervised the construction of a sister facility in Poway, Pomerado Hospital, now known as Palomar Medical Center Poway.

While Palomar Health has been serving North County for more than seven decades, the Foundation was established in 1984 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization to support the programs, services, projects and growing needs of the healthcare district.

In 1985, the hospital achieved full designation as a trauma center, and the District acquired a convalescent center that was later renamed Palomar Continuing Care Center and has since been shuttered.

In 1987, Villa Pomerado, a skilled nursing facility, opened on the Pomerado Hospital campus, and Palomar Memorial Hospital was renamed Palomar Medical Center.

In 2010, the District entered into a management agreement with Rady Children’s Hospital for pediatric services to be performed at Palomar Medical Center.

In 2012, a third hospital opened in Escondido near Interstate 15 and State Route 78.