The UC San Diego Health System is in talks with Eisenhower Medical Center that could expand the Rancho Mirage facility into a teaching and research hospital.
The talks were initially reported by the Desert Sun newspaper, and confirmed Wednesday by a UC San Diego spokesperson.
The newspaper said the collaboration between Eisenhower and UCSD would focus mainly on cancer care, HIV and AIDS, and graduate medical education.
Jacqueline Carr, director of communications and media relations for the UC San Diego Health System, confirmed the talks are ongoing but declined further comment.
“UC San Diego Health System and Eisenhower Medical Center are exploring a potential clinical and strategic affiliation to enhance the delivery of quality care to patients in the Coachella Valley and neighboring Southern California communities,” she said. “UC San Diego Health System does not intend to comment further on this matter while discussions are pending.”
The hospital in Rancho Mirage dates to 1971. It was built on land donated by entertainer Bob Hope.
