UC San Diego Health, the academic health system of the University of California, has agreed to acquire Alvarado Hospital Medical Center located in San Diego, California, US, from Prime Healthcare, for an undisclosed sum.

Located at 6655 Alvarado Road, Alvarado Hospital Medical Center was acquired by Prime Healthcare in 2010, when the facility was in financial distress.

During this 13-year tenure, Prime Healthcare spent more than $90m on new hospital facilities and improvements, including a new emergency department, remodelled intensive care unit, and expansion of critical mental health services and facilities, among others.

The acquisition of the Alvarado Hospital Medical Center, a 302-bed medical campus, is scheduled to close in December this year.

UC San Diego Health CEO Patty Maysent said: “UC San Diego Health continues to grow its network of clinics and hospitals to better care for the community within new neighbourhoods across the region.”

Established in 1972, the Alvarado acute care hospital provides services including a new emergency department for geriatric care, neuroscience, general surgical services, cardiac services, vascular services, and other services.

Currently, the hospital employs more than 600 registered nurses, technicians, and support staff, as well as 300 affiliated physicians.

Upon deal completion, Alvarado Hospital employees will become part of UC San Diego Health.

Prime Healthcare strategy CMO and managing director Kavitha Bhatia said: “With significant investments and dedicated service to our patients over the past 13 years, Alvarado Hospital Medical Center has now reached the point where divestiture to a world-class academic institution like UC San Diego Health will lead to a new era for this award-winning community hospital.

“We are proud of the care that has been provided and the legacy that will continue as UC San Diego Health expands access to specialised care, while preserving and building on Alvarado’s 50-year history.”