Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

May 11, 2012

This time last year, on May 15, 2011, the doors to the new Mills-Peninsula Medical Center opened.

In its first year of operations – caring for people 24 hours a day, every day – an award-winning team of doctors, nurses and staff has tallied a number of accomplishments:

  • 1,956 babies born
  • 44,738 emergencies answered
  • 18,787 rehabilitation treatments given
  • 1,358,149 lab tests performed
  • 10,532 surgeries
  • 314,738 outpatient services



Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, part of the Sutter Health network of care, includes the 450,000-square-foot, 241-bed hospital and adjoining outpatient physician office center. 

While the staff celebrates its first complete year in the new medical complex, demolition of the old Peninsula Medical Center is nearly complete, a process that has been under way since October 2011. About 80 percent of the old building will be salvaged and recycled, including all metals and concrete. After the demolition is complete – the target is June – the land will be converted to parking for approximately 300 vehicles.

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Nurses Strike Ends Quietly

May 9, 2012

The California Nurses Association strike at Mills-Peninsula Health Services ended quietly at 7 a.m., on Sunday, May 6. Although the union called for a one-day strike, the Mills-Peninsula replacement staff vendor contract requires a minimum replacement period of five days.

MPHS CEO Bob Merwin

As in each past strike, Mills-Peninsula continued to fulfill its mission to care for the community. According to Mills-Peninsula Health Services CEO Bob Merwin, the California Department of Public Health was on site every day and expressed confidence in the quality of care that was being provided.

“During the five-day replacement period, day-to-day operations continued without incident. Eighteen babies were born, 661 patients received care in the emergency rooms, and 12 people had surgery,” Merwin said. “We are very thankful to all the staff who stepped up to make sure we continued to provide excellent care for our community.”

More information about the CNA strikes against Sutter Health

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Community Invited to Soul Stroll for Health, May 19

May 4, 2012

Proceeds Fund Health Education & Programs for Diverse Communities  in San Mateo County

The community is invited to join in a healthy day of walking and getting fit at the annual Soul Stroll for Health on Saturday, May 19, at San Mateo County’s 670-acre Coyote Point Recreation area. The event begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m.

Soul Stroll Celebrity Chair and Fitness Expert Dr. Ian Smith

This is the 11th consecutive Soul Stroll for Health, created with a special focus on improving health in the African American, Hispanic and Pacific Islander populations in San Mateo County through good nutrition and physical activity. This popular annual event is sponsored by the African American Community Health Advisory Committee (AACHAC) in partnership with Mills-Peninsula Health Services.

The celebrity chair this year is fitness expert Dr. Ian Smith.  He has served as the medical/diet expert for six seasons on VH1’s highly-rated Celebrity Fit Club, is the creator and founder of “The 50 Million Pound Challenge,” and is a medical contributor on the nationally syndicated television show Rachael Ray. Dr. Smith is also the host of his own nationally syndicated radio show “Health Watch” on American Urban Radio Networks.

Everyone is welcome to walk, run or stroll along the one-, three- or five-mile course. There will be a kids’ zone, free health screenings and entertainment. Estimated participation is 2,000-2,500 people. Online registration is encouraged. 

For more information, please contact AACHAC Executive Director Gloria Brown at (650) 696-4378.

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CNA Calls Third Strike Against Mills-Peninsula and Several Other Sutter Health Hospitals

April 30, 2012

The California Nurses Association (CNA) has called its third strike in less than a year against Mills-Peninsula and several other Sutter Health hospitals on Tuesday, May 1.

Both Mills-Peninsula Medical Center and Mills Health Center will remain open and provide full medical services, including emergency care, throughout the strike.

The union called a one-day strike, but because our contract with the replacement staffing company requires a five-day minimum, striking nurses will return to work on Sunday, May 6.

In today’s uncertain economy and increasingly challenging health care environment, we need to do our part to help hold the line on rising health care costs.

Our proposals seek to balance the need for a competitive compensation package with the imperative to be more affordable to our patients. This means that wage increases and benefits, while competitive, can’t be as high as in the past.

A nurse who works full-time at Mills-Peninsula earns an average salary in excess of $140,000 per year and has excellent benefits, including an employer-paid pension plan worth $84,000 per year on average for life.

The union has rejected even modest concessions, including one that would have them contribute a five percent share of their monthly health care premium. Instead, they are demanding enhancements, including significantly increasing our already generous retirement program.

Mills-Peninsula will continue to offer competitive wages and benefits but will reject unreasonable demands that unnecessarily increase costs. We take seriously our responsibility to ensure health care is affordable for our patients.

For more information, please refer to the Sutter Health’s website for CNA negotiation updates: http://cnanegotiations.sutterhealth.org/

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Aging Expert & Author from Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute to Keynote Mills-Peninsula Luncheon, Lecture

March 30, 2012

April 30 Event to Benefit Local Breast Health Programs 

Michael Roizen, M.D., chair of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and a New York Times best selling author, will be the keynote speaker for the Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation’s  11th Annual Women’s Luncheon & Lecture  April 30, 2012 in Burlingame.

Dr. Roizen will talk about “Extending Your Warranty: A Happier, Healthier YOU.”  An anesthesiologist and internist, he has co-founded 12 companies and co-authored the YOU series, with Mehmet Oz, M.D., including “Staying Young: the Owner’s Manual to Extending Your Warranty.”

Michael Roizen, M.D. (right) co-authored the YOU series with Mehmet, Oz, M.D. (left)

With his signature wit and humor, Dr. Roizen will provide a fresh perspective on how we can reduce the effects of aging. His presentation is adapted from his New York Times bestseller, Real Age: Are You As Young As You Can Be? He will address lifestyle choices that can help us look and feel young, including:

  • Natural ways to lower blood pressure
  • Anti-aging agents for men and women over 50
  • Ways to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol without drugs
  • How to increase energy, alertness and vitality
  • How to prevent or stop the progression of arthritis and osteoporosis
  • Secrets to success in weight loss, and
  • How to manage stress in all aspects of life.

The 2012 Women’s Luncheon & Lecture is expected to draw more than 800 attendees. Proceeds will benefit Mills-Peninsula’s Women’s Health Center and the expansion of the Breast Health Program.

Last year’s program raised more than $300,000, which funded new equipment, nursing education and other services in the Women’s Health Center, including free mammograms and continuing care for the uninsured and underserved women in the community.

The luncheon program will also include a fundraising raffle. Individual seats are $150; sponsorships and tables are also available. Register online.

Media Contact

During his Bay Area visit, Dr. Roizen will have some availability for media interviews. If you are interested in talking with him, please contact Karen Malekos-Smith at 650-696-5908 or MalekoK@sutterhealth.org.

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