New CHMC Tower

Changing with the Times

California Hospital Medical Center has served the Los Angeles community for over 130 years. Today, California Hospital is a 318-bed hospital with a full continuum of inpatient, outpatient and community services. We care for the whole person by taking a holistic approach to health and offering outreach programs, classes and supportive services to enhance the well-being of the communities we serve from birth through adulthood. We are a member of Dignity Health, which is part of CommonSpirit Health, the largest nonprofit health care delivery system in the nation.

A History of California Hospital Medical Center

1887

CHMC was founded by Dr. Walter Lindley. Twelve years later, the first X-rays taken in Los Angeles were performed at CHMC.

Historical black and white image of California Hospital in the 1800s


1932

CHMC was the official hospital of the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"1932 Olympics" by kitchener.lord is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 .

1932 Olympics posters


1944

The hospital attracted world-wide attention for its "Father's Room," equipped with loud-speakers so new fathers could hear the first cries of their newborns.

Fathers Room signage


1966

CHMC opened its new modern Emergency Department.

1960s paramedic standing in front of the Emergency Department


1984

CHMC was an official hospital of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (again).

Banner of California Hospital being the official hospital of the 1984 Olympics


1987

Tibbitts Tower opened its doors, giving CHMC the footprint you see today.

External photo of Tibbitts Tower


2004

The Leavey Trauma Center began service.

CHMC Leavey Trauma Center


2018

Campus expansion begins

New Patient Tower Groundbreaking Ceremony


2020

CHMC leads Downtown Los Angeles' frontline response to COVID-19

Nurse wearing a face shield


2024

CHMC’s new patient care tower will finish construction and the revitalized campus will open to the public. This will forever reshape how we serve all patients and families, and it will usher in a new era of accessible healthcare in our community.

Nurse wearing a face shield


We hope that you will join us as supporters of this vital and timely project.