Chinese Hospital proudly announces the launch of its Hepatitis B Demonstration Project, a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to combatting hepatitis B in San Francisco and San Mateo counties. This initiative is made possible through a grant awarded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

In the United States, hepatitis B disproportionately affects Asian Americans, with 1 in 12 chronically infected compared to 1 in 1000 non-Hispanic Whites. Despite comprising only 6% of the U.S. population, Asian Americans account for over 60% of 860,000 individuals living with hepatitis B, representing one of the most significant racial health disparities in the country. Left untreated, hepatitis B can lead to severe liver complications, with nearly 1 in 4 individuals developing liver cancer. Furthermore, liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Asian American men. In San Francisco, where Asian Americans make up 37.3% of the population, the burden of liver cancer and undiagnosed hepatitis B infections is particularly high, contributing to elevated rates of liver cancer.

“CDPH is proud to award nearly $1.3 million to the Chinese Hospital for the Hepatitis B Demonstration Project,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomás Aragón. “This project is aligned with California’s goal to decrease hepatitis B infections and improve care for persons living with hepatitis B. It is also consistent with the Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan, which calls for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. We have great confidence that Chinese Hospital, with their extensive experience and expertise in providing culturally appropriate services to the most vulnerable and underserved people living with or at risk for HBV infection, will make an impact on these priority populations.”

For over 25 years, Chinese Hospital has been at the forefront of providing vital hepatitis B services, including vaccination, screening, treatment, linkage of care, and education. Notably, Chinese Hospital has offered free testing opportunities to support Asian communities, focusing on low-income populations and new immigrants. Additionally, it extends free liver cancer screening to uninsured or underinsured patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital, stated, “The selection of Chinese Hospital for the Hepatitis B Demonstration Project Grant illustrates our continued commitment to addressing high rates of hepatitis B within Asian communities. We are dedicated to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for all. Our efforts to provide culturally competent and linguistically appropriate hepatitis B services have been ongoing for decades, and this grant enables us to further amplify our impact and extend our reach.”

Over the next three years, the grant will support innovative approaches to improve the health and well-being of Californians affected by Hepatitis B, aligning with California’s goals to reduce the incidence of acute hepatitis B infection and improve care for affected individuals. Furthermore, it contributes to the Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan’s objective of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

The project will leverage Chinese Hospital’s expertise to implement a comprehensive approach to prevention and management. Through robust community outreach, education, and collaboration with partners such as Chinese Community Health Resource Center (CCHRC), the project aims to increase awareness and access to care for individuals affected by Hepatitis B in our communities.

For more information about Hepatitis B services at Chinese Hospital and Clinics, please visit www.chinesehospital-sf.org.

Media contact:
Jenni Lau
[email protected]

Chinese Hospital is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its Board of Trustees Installation Ceremony for 2024, held on January 26^th. This ceremony not only introduced the broad set to guide the hospital throughout the year but also marked the commencement of the celebration of a remarkable milestone – 125 years of dedicated service to the community.

Established in 1899, Chinese Hospital has been a cornerstone of the San Francisco community, providing quality healthcare in a cost-effective way while remaining responsive to the community’s ethnic and cultural uniqueness.

During the ceremony, the Board of Trustees for 2024, with the re-elected Dr. Kin F. Yee as chair and Mr. Harvey Louie as vice-chair, took the oath of office, administered by Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

In her welcoming speech, Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital, welcomed the Chinese Hospital Board of Trustees for 2024 and expressed profound gratitude, stating, “I deeply appreciate our dedicated board for their services and contributions to the hospital’s success over the past year. My appreciation extends to elected officials, community leaders, partners, and supporters. Importantly, I want to acknowledge the exceptional management team, devoted medical staff, and hardworking employees for their steadfast dedication in propelling Chinese Hospital to become one of the best-in-state hospitals.”

As the only independent community hospital in San Francisco, Chinese Hospital has played a crucial role in safeguarding the community’s health and well-being, particularly during health crises. Key accomplishments of 2023 include:

• Attained prestigious ratings, including Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) four-star rating for patient experience, and Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospitals recognition.
• Secured federal, state, city, and private grants to ensure financial stability, including Subacute Care Unit Project, ED-ALT Program, California Department of Public Health (CDPH)’s Hepatitis B Demonstration Project and Test-to-Treat Program, and CalBridge Program.
• Accredited by The Joint Commission.
• Continued expansion of healthcare programs to meet community needs, such as skilled nursing, subacute care, and outpatient palliative care.
• Continued partnership development, including UCSF Health, San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), and the White Ribbon Project for lung cancer awareness.

“As we step into a new year, marking 125 years of service to the San Francisco community, I’m honored and humbled to continue leading the Chinese Hospital Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Yee, Chairman of the Chinese Hospital Board of Trustees. “I would like to express my gratitude to the board for their dedication in making 2023 a success despite industry challenges. I also appreciate the management team, medical staff, and all employees who have contributed to making Chinese Hospital one of San Francisco’s premier institutions.”

Dr. Yee continued, “2024 continues to be a challenging year, but our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare remains unwavering. With a team of dedicated board members, esteemed physicians, and committed staff, we envision Chinese Hospital continuing to shine as a beacon of medical excellence, fostering innovation, and delivering compassionate care.”

In 2024, Chinese Hospital is committed to enhancing the patient experience and safety, expanding services to meet evolving healthcare needs, and fostering collaborative partnerships with the city, state, and other healthcare systems to address disparities. Additionally, the hospital will focus on maintaining fiscal health to ensure sustainable operations.

At the ceremony’s conclusion, Dr. Yee expressed gratitude to the government and community for ongoing support, particularly thanking Assemblymember Phil Ting for securing another $5 million in state funding to support Chinese Hospital in establishing the only Subacute Care Unit in San Francisco. Dr. Yee sincerely invites everyone to consider Chinese Hospital for their medical needs and choose CCHP as their health plan. Through continued collaboration, Chinese Hospital will grow and emerge even stronger for another 125 years.

Media contact:
Jenni Lau
[email protected]

San Francisco Chinese Hospital is proud to announce its recognition in the Newsweek and Statista’s America’s Best-in-State Hospitals, ranking as California’s #33 among 337⁽¹⁾ statewide, and earning a place among the top four hospitals in San Francisco. This notable recognition, presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, solidifies Chinese Hospital’s position among the nation’s elite institutions committed to delivering exceptional patient care and upholding the highest safety standards.

Newsweek’s rankings spotlight hospitals demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to quality healthcare and patient well-being. In its inaugural year of receiving this esteemed recognition, Chinese Hospital proudly stands among those acknowledged for their commitment to excellence.

“We’re honored to be recognized among the best hospitals across the nation,” stated Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital. “Over the past few years, Chinese Hospital has undergone a transformative journey, growing and evolving into a leading healthcare provider by establishing partnerships with some of the best health systems in the San Francisco Bay Area and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH). This national recognition serves as validation of our team’s growth mindset and collective commitment to providing access and delivering world-class, equitable care to our patients at every level and in every community we serve.”

Beyond the accolades from Newsweek, Chinese Hospital consistently demonstrates excellence in safety and quality across various healthcare rating systems, receiving an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group in Spring 2023 and a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“Even in the face of limited resources, we are steadfast in delivering quality care to the communities we serve. This achievement is a source of immense pride, underscoring the hard work, exceptional skills, and unwavering dedication of our teams,” said Dr. Kin Yee, Chair of Chinese Hospital Board.

Chinese Hospital, the only independent hospital in San Francisco, has consistently expanded its services over the past 124 years to meet the diverse needs of communities in San Francisco and northern San Mateo County. The dedication to excellence surpasses mere rankings, reflecting an unwavering commitment to continual improvement.

As a community hospital, Chinese Hospital continues to broaden its geographical footprint and impact by cultivating meaningful partnerships with UCSF Health, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), and Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG). The steadfast dedication remains resolute, driven by the goal to deliver exceptional care, foster innovation, and positively transform lives within the communities served.

The America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2024 ranking was created to identify the top hospitals at the state level. Hospitals from all US states were eligible for the ranking and included in the nationwide survey. Four data sources were used for the evaluation:

• Nationwide online survey of tens of thousands of health care professionals (doctors, hospital managers, and others);
• Publicly available data from hospital surveys of patient experience during their hospitalizations. Survey topics included cleanliness of the hospital, communication by the nurses/doctors, care transition, communication about medicines, discharge information, quietness, and staff responsiveness.
• Hospital quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was available for mortality, safety, readmission, experience, and timely and effective care;
• The implementation of Patient Reported Outcome Measures online survey (completed by patients to measure their perception of their functional well-being and quality of life).

For additional information about Chinese Hospital, please visit www.chinesehospital-sf.org.

⁽¹⁾https://www.hospitalusainfo.com/2023/07/17/how-many-hospitals-in-california/#California_hospital_list

Media Contact
Jenni Lau
[email protected]

Chinese Hospital is delighted to announce that Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital, has been recognized in the esteemed Forbes 50 Over 50 list for 2023. This prestigious accolade celebrates leaders who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields, and Dr. Zhang’s exceptional leadership and groundbreaking efforts in promoting health equity, including her remarkable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, have earned her a well-deserved spot on this illustrious list.

The Forbes 50 Over 50 list, now in its third year, highlights leaders from various industries who are making a significant impact in their respective fields, proving that success and innovation have no age restrictions. This exclusive list features entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators whose sphere of influence stretches from the deep sea to outer space, representing a diverse range of accomplishments that are changing the world.

As the CEO of Chinese Hospital in San Francisco, Dr. Zhang has been a trailblazer in the healthcare industry for over 30 years. Her dedication to improving access to care for underserved populations has been unwavering, making her a respected figure in the community.

Dr. Zhang’s groundbreaking contributions to healthcare are not only transforming lives but also promoting health equity. Under her visionary leadership, Chinese Hospital has become a model for community-based healthcare, providing culturally competent and linguistically appropriate care to patients from diverse backgrounds. Her focus on promoting health equity has ensured that all individuals, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, have access to quality healthcare services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Zhang’s leadership was instrumental in protecting the community. Chinese Hospital took charge of testing, contact tracing, vaccination, and treatment efforts, providing critical COVID-related services to underserved populations in collaboration with San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), UCSF, and other community organizations. Furthermore, Dr. Zhang prioritized mental health support for staff and patients affected by the trauma of anti-Asian violence.

Dr. Zhang’s remarkable work in the COVID-19 response has earned her accolades. She was awarded the Distinguished Woman of The Year by the California Legislature in 2021 and 2023 for her exceptional work against the virus, further highlighting her dedication to public health and her advocacy for marginalized communities.

Being named in the Forbes 50 Over 50 list is a great honor, and Dr. Zhang expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply grateful to be a part of an organization that is driven by a shared commitment to compassionate care and community wellbeing. This recognition inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and providing innovative healthcare solutions to ensure health equity for all.”

The Forbes 50 Over 50 list celebrates leaders who serve as role models for future generations, inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities. Dr. Zhang’s recognition in this prestigious list reaffirms her status as a visionary leader and compassionate advocate for healthcare equity and social justice.

To learn more about the Forbes 50 Over 50 list, please visit Forbes’s website.

Media Contact:
Jenni Lau
[email protected]

Chinese Hospital received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit upholding the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. This national distinction celebrates [Chinese Hospital]’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. The new grades reflect performance primarily during the height of the pandemic.

“We are honored to receive recognition from The Leapfrog Group as one of the top-performing hospitals in the nation for patient safety and quality care,” said Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital. “At Chinese Hospital, patient safety has always been a top priority, and this recognition reaffirms our commitment to that mission. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide safe and high-quality care to our patients, especially during these challenging times. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and unwavering commitment to our patients and community.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“This new update of Hospital Safety Grades shows that, at the national level, we saw deterioration in patient safety with the pandemic,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “But this hospital received an ‘A’ despite those challenges. I congratulate all the leaders, staff, volunteers and clinicians who together made that possible.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see Chinese Hospital’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook and via its newsletter.

About The Leapfrog Group                                                                                  

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.Media Contact:
Jenni Lau
[email protected]

Chinese Hospital and UCSF Health have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance the quality of healthcare in the San Francisco community. The agreement builds upon a three-year-long partnership that successfully developed a primary stroke center, which was certified by The Joint Commission in May 2022. Together, they also provided palliative care and COVID-19 care to the community.

The new agreement aims to expand on the existing collaboration by combining the strengths and resources of both organizations. Specifically, it focuses on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services in Chinese, such as the new stroke center at Chinese Hospital. By collaborating on programs and services for the community, including skilled nursing/subacute care, pulmonology care, cardiology, oncology, and other specialties, Chinese Hospital and UCSF Health hope to address health disparities and improve healthcare quality and access in the community.

The agreement is driven by a shared vision to create comprehensive and sustainable health care that is responsive to the community’s ethnic and cultural uniqueness, now and for the future. It also seeks to develop new programs that increase the availability of physician and administrative services to achieve measurable improvements in patient, family, and community health.

Dr. Jian Zhang, chief executive officer of Chinese Hospital, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with UCSF Health, as both hospitals are the only two hospitals in San Francisco to be awarded the 4-star distinction by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“By combining the strengths of the two organizations, we can provide better care and more access for our community,” said Dr. Zhang. “As the only remaining independent hospital in San Francisco, we can work closely with UCSF Health to provide comprehensive and high quality care that meets the equity challenges of today. With our recent remodel and increase in capacity, we are confident in delivering culturally appropriate and linguistically competent care for generations to come.”

Suresh Gunasekaran, president and chief executive officer of UCSF Health, said the alliance will allow more patients to access complex medical care and strengthen both organizations’ commitment to health equity.

“Through our growing collaboration, we will expand access to much-needed complex health care services for all of the patients served by Chinese Hospital,” he said. “This alliance is rooted in UCSF Health and Chinese Hospital’s shared values and is a powerful step toward reducing disparities in the access to care and delivering equitable health outcomes for all segments of our diverse and vibrant San Francisco community.”

UCSF Health is among the nation’s leading academic health systems, with a public mission of providing premier specialty care backed by globally recognized health sciences research. The collaboration is expected to foster shared learning opportunities and the exchange of best practices to achieve optimal outcomes for patients who currently have limited access to complex health care services.

Dr. Kin Yee, chairman of the Chinese Hospital Association Board of Trustees said, “We are so excited about this collaboration with UCSF Health. We are meeting the community’s need where they live and work.

“It is at times difficult for our community’s monolingual patients to navigate services at mainstream facilities,” Yee continued. “So, we are bringing the level of quality care that would otherwise be out of reach to them.”

“Building on the successes of UCSF Health and Chinese Hospital’s existing joint programs, we are excited by the expansion of our partnership,” said Shelby Decosta, president of the UCSF Health Care Network. “We will now work together on creating more programs and services that leverage our previous experience in order to offer critical specialty care services to more San Francisco patients in their own language, within their own community, and with an understanding of their cultural health care needs.”

Visit UCSF/Chinese Hospital Affiliate PageMedia Contact:
Jenni Lau
415-677-2378
[email protected]

Dr. Jian Zhang, the CEO of Chinese Hospital in San Francisco, has been named the Woman of the Year for 2023 by Assemblymember Matt Haney, representing the eastern half of San Francisco and California’s 17th Assembly District. Haney nominated Dr. Zhang for the award to recognize her exceptional contributions to healthcare and the Asian American community. The award will be presented during Women’s History Month in March at the “California Women Making Herstory” ceremony to be held at the California State Capitol next Monday.

Dr. Zhang has been a leader in the healthcare industry for over 20 years, dedicating her career to improving access to care for underserved populations. As the CEO of Chinese Hospital, she has overseen the expansion of the hospital’s services to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Asian American population in San Francisco.

Under Dr. Zhang’s leadership, Chinese Hospital has become a model for community-based healthcare, providing culturally competent and linguistically appropriate care to patients of all backgrounds. Dr. Zhang has also been a vocal advocate for healthcare equity, working to address the social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities in vulnerable populations.

In addition to her outstanding contributions to healthcare, Dr. Zhang has been a strong advocate for the Asian American community and a vocal opponent of anti-Asian hate crimes. She has collaborated with White House representatives, local and state leaders, and community leaders to raise awareness of the surge in hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Zhang led Chinese Hospital in its efforts to protect the community by providing critical COVID-related services such as bilingual education/outreach, testing, contact tracing, vaccination, and treatment in collaboration with San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), UCSF and other community organizations to underserved populations, as well as provided mental health support to staff and patients affected by the trauma of anti-Asian violence.

“Asian Americans have faced unprecedented challenges in the last few years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes,” said Assemblymember Matt Haney. “Dr. Zhang has been an unwavering leader and advocate for the Asian American community, fighting tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare. I am honored to nominate her as Woman of the Year and commend her inspiring leadership as a champion for the Asian American community and a remarkable role model for all Californians.”

Dr. Zhang expressed her gratitude for the award and thanked the California State Assembly for recognizing her work. “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this award,” she said. “I accept it on behalf of the entire team at Chinese Hospital, who work tirelessly every day to provide quality, culturally responsive care to our patients. I also want to thank the Asian American community for their resilience and courage in the face of hate and discrimination. This award is a reminder that our work is not done, and that we must continue to fight for healthcare equity and social justice for all.”

The Woman of the Year award, presented annually by the California State Assembly and Senate, is a prestigious recognition of the exceptional contributions made by women to their communities and the state. The nomination and selection process is rigorous, with each assembly district and the senate nominating their own honorees. This award celebrates the remarkable achievements of outstanding women who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others through their work and service. Recipients of this award serve as role models for future generations and inspire others to make a positive impact in their communities.Media Contact
Jenni Lau
[email protected]

Chinese Hospital announces its participation in the California Bridge Program to combat the opioid epidemic in the state. The program provides evidence-based treatment and support services for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions, enabling Chinese Hospital to expand its capacity to care for OUD patients and improve access to life-saving treatments. The hospital will launch the program after hiring a Substance Use Navigator to provide patients with behavioral health services, case management, personalized support, and guidance.

“As a physician in the emergency department, I have seen the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on patients and their families,” said Dr. Jessica Li, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at Chinese Hospital. “We are proud to join the California Bridge Program to support those struggling with opioid addiction and provide more comprehensive care to patients with OUD.”

The California Bridge Program is a state-funded initiative that views emergency departments and acute care hospitals as the primary starting point for treatment, with the goal of ensuring patients initiate and maintain long-term recovery with medications. When patients in opioid withdrawal visit these healthcare facilities, they will be given the opportunity to receive medication like buprenorphine to start maintenance treatment.

Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital, added, “The opioid epidemic is a devastating public health crisis, and we are committed to being part of the solution. Our participation in the California Bridge Program is a testament to our commitment to improving access to quality care and reducing the impact of opioid addiction on all communities, including the Chinese community.”

Chinese Hospital is committed to improving access to quality care for all patients and is taking an important step forward by participating in the California Bridge Program. The hospital looks forward to working with the program to improve outcomes for patients with OUD and reducing the impact of opioid addiction on communities, as well as providing education and outreach to the Chinese community about the dangers of opioid use.Media contact:
Ms. Jenni Lau
[email protected]

Since its establishment in 1899, Chinese Hospital has been a vital part of the San Francisco community, steadfastly upholding its mission to “deliver quality health care in a cost-effective way, responsive to the community’s ethnic and cultural uniqueness, providing access to health care and acceptability to all socioeconomic levels” despite the pandemic. Over the course of 123 years, Chinese Hospital has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community by expanding its services and providing culturally competent care.

Today, Chinese Hospital held a ceremony to install its 2023 Board of Trustees, marking a new era of recovery and growth following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new board is led by Dr. Kin Yee and Mr. Harvey Louie, who will serve as the chair and vice-chair. They have been serving the board for many years and will continue to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chinese Hospital 2023 board members and look forward to working with them to overcome the COVID pandemic related challenges and position our hospital for a successful future,” said Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital. Dr. Zhang also expressed her gratitude to the outgoing board members for their service and contributions to the hospital’s success over the past year. She specifically thanked the outgoing board chair, Mr. Kitman Chan, for his service and wished him a smooth recovery.

At the ceremony, the outgoing acting board chair, Mr. Harvey Louie, thanked all the board members for their time and dedication in making 2022 a success. He expressed appreciation to the management team, medical staff and employees, who have been working tirelessly to safeguard the community, as well as the elected officials and community partners, who have teamed up with Chinese Hospital to make the community a better and healthier place to live. He also thanked all the supporters for their generous contributions.

“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be the acting board chair to lead the board in working with the administration and medical staff during such a difficult and challenging time,” said Mr. Louie. “We, working together as a team, have accomplished a lot in 2022.”

Mr. Louie highlighted a number of accomplishments over the past year in his speech, including progress on the mechanical backbone replacement project, expanded and formalized collaboration with UCSF to optimize access to quality care, resolution of disputes and reunion with CCHCA’s physicians to better serve the community, achievement of CMS’ four-star rating for quality, safety and patient experience, receipt of $5 million state budget to create a hospital-based subacute unit and recognition and certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, and raising over $12 million in 2022.

Incoming board chair, Dr. Kin Yee expressed his excitement for the opportunity to serve on the board and highlighted some of the focuses for the coming year.

“I am honored and humbled to be elected as the chair and looking forward to working with my fellow board members,” said Dr. Yee. “2023 remains extremely challenging for Chinese Hospital and the healthcare industry due to labor shortage, high inflation and supply chain disruptions. Despite the challenges we will face, Chinese Hospital will continue to expand collaborations to create new programs and services, improve the quality of care and patient experience, lead the effort to safeguard our community, and enhance our financial viability and operational efficacy.” Dr. Yee added, “We promise to always put the needs of our patients and community first, and ensure that the hospital’s resources are used efficiently and effectively to meet their needs.”

Chinese Hospital is the only independent community hospital in San Francisco, dedicated solely to serving the community. Over the years, we have played a significant role in maintaining the health and well-being of our community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Yee sincerely hopes that the community will continue to support Chinese Hospital by utilizing our services and selecting CCHP as their health plan. He also hopes that the government will advocate for policies that support the needs of the community. By continuing to work together, Chinese Hospital will become stronger and more resilient in 2023.

Media Contact

Ms Jenni Lau
[email protected]

Chinese Hospital was the recipient of a $5 million state budget appropriation to improve access to subacute care services in San Francisco Bay Area. The funding was included in the state budget for the first time and was supported by State Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). It will help Chinese Hospital to build a hospital-based subacute care unit in its facility, to address the overwhelming need in the larger community.

Subacute care provides a high level of care on an inpatient basis for patients post acute illness, injury or disease or complex health problems, and consists of a range of special services and supports, such as post-surgical care, rehabilitation, intravenous antibiotic therapy, wound care, pain management, pulmonary and breathing care, and cardiac care. The goal of subacute care is to improve functional status and overall quality of life in patients. Hospital-based subacute units have a team of round-the–clock doctors, nurses, as well as other healthcare experts with specialized training to handle all emergencies.

Access to subacute care, is a national and regional as well as a state challenge. In San Francisco, we are facing a severe shortage of subacute care beds, with no hospital-based subacute units available to the public. However, the demand for subacute care services is escalating throughout the city and state.

Leadership at Chinese Hospital has been working tirelessly to improve the community’s access to quality subacute care services. To meet the growing needs, Chinese Hospital will create a new subacute care unit in its facility. This $5 million funding will provide seed money to get the project underway, which includes construction, expansion, remodeling, renovation, furnishing, and equipping.

“We want to express our appreciation to State Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), who requested and secured funding for our new subacute care unit project,” said Dr. Jian Zhang, Chinese Hospital CEO. “We recognize and embrace Chinese Hospital’s important role in safeguarding the community, particularly in times of public health crisis. As such, Chinese Hospital decided to take an important step to create a hospital-based subacute unit to help alleviate the burden on the local healthcare system in collaboration with San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and UCSF, and provide quality care to San Franciscans despite the challenges.”

“We must add more beds for San Franciscans who need subacute and skilled nursing care. It’s not fair to force their families and friends to travel long distances to visit their loved ones. The state investment I secured for Chinese Hospital expands local treatment options and takes a step toward bringing health equity to this community,” said Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).

As an essential part of San Francisco’s health care system, Chinese Hospital will work closely with the city and state leaders to address the gap, so that patients who need subacute care won’t be discharged out of the county.

“We are grateful for State Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting’s support,” said Mr. Harvey Louie, Chinese Hospital Board of Trustees Acting Chairman. “This funding will have long-lasting and meaningful impacts across San Francisco and the broader Bay Area, and Chinese Hospital will continue its legacy of safeguarding and enhancing the health of our communities.”Media Contact:

Jenni Lau
1-415-677-2378
[email protected]