Hospital announces plans to open Irvine facility

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian announced its plans to expand into Irvine next year after coming to an agreement with HCP Inc. to lease its 175-bed facility when the lease is up in February 2009, officials said Thursday.

The hospital already has health centers in Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach and two locations in Irvine.

The new location on Sand Canyon Avenue near the 405 Freeway will become an acute care general hospital, such as the one in Newport Beach, but at a much smaller level than Newport Beach’s hospital that houses 498 beds.

Plans are in progress to develop the new hospital as Hoag will work with the community, local and state officials to develop the facility.

— Daniel Tedford