New addition Hoag marvel

Among the biggest reasons those living in Newport-Mesa can call

themselves fortunate is about to get even bigger.

Literally.

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is about to open its new

seven-story Sue and Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion, and it’s a marvel.

Architecturally, it’s a first-of-a-kind earthquake-resistant

structure. (It’s why the building can have so many windows. Compare

it with Hoag’s other tower or just about any multi-story building

around.)

But more important, there are marvels of the medical variety

throughout.

The Hoag Breast Care Center will be the first of its kind with

direct-to-digital mammography service. The digital pictures are

clearer, more versatile and promise to help save more lives than the

current film X-rays. The information can be accessed nearly instantly

and shared via computer with medical experts in other parts of the

building, the city, the state or the world.

The operating rooms also are high-tech, with computers easily

accessible. A tracking system will allow nurses to follow what is

going on, as well.

The marvels are not just of the technological variety, however.

The whole building was designed in a family-oriented way. There are

private rooms for new mothers with room for other family members to

stay overnight. The neonatal area allows for private interaction

between parents and babies in a purposefully quiet environment.

Oh, and much of the building has about the best view of Newport

Beach imaginable.

The expansion has cost the hospital $200 million, $72 million of

which was raised through a fundraising campaign. Sue and Bill Gross,

for whom the building is named, donated $20 million earlier this

year.

The building will be open for public tours beginning Sept. 24. Dr.

Richard Afable, who has been in his role as president and chief

executive for about a month, said he expects the hospital to deliver

its first baby on Oct. 3 or 4.

That first baby will be just one of many lucky ones.