Scripps Health has unveiled its plans to create a state-of-the-art cardiovascular institute. Scripps officials say their goal is to create the region's finest center for heart care and cardiovascular research. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
The new institute would use the combined expertise of heart doctors at La Jolla's Scripps Memorial and Scripps Green hospitals.
Plans for the center include 144 in-patient beds and ten operating rooms.
The institute will cost more than $360-million. Scripps Health CEO Chris Van Gorder says the financing is up in the air.
Van Gorder: You know, it's always difficult in this environment. We're not tax supported, so we either have to generate the margins ourselves or go to the community. And we've been blessed. The community has always supported Scripps, and they've been there when we've needed them.
UCSD is also planning a new cardiovascular center. Regarding Scripps' action, UCSD officials say they welcome any efforts to prevent or treat heart disease. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
