Palomar Health, UC San Diego Health Launch Joint Powers Authority to Expand Care in North San Diego County
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The partnership is designed to expand access to healthcare services for nearly one million residents across North San Diego County while combining community-based care with academic medical expertise.
Palomar Health and UC San Diego Health have officially established a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), effective July 1, 2026, creating a new integrated health system named Palomar UC San Diego Health. The partnership is designed to expand access to healthcare services for nearly one million residents across North San Diego County while combining community-based care with academic medical expertise.
The newly formed JPA enables the two public health organizations to jointly operate hospitals and clinics under a unified governance structure while continuing to function as separate health systems with independent licenses and medical staffs. Oversight includes the operation of hospitals in Escondido and Poway, along with other healthcare facilities and resources.
The new entity will be led by UC San Diego Health CEO Patty Maysent, JPA CEO Diane Hansen, and the Joint Powers Authority Board, which will oversee long-term strategic initiatives, including clinical service expansion, facility development, infrastructure investments, and equipment upgrades.
According to UC San Diego Health, the partnership combines Palomar Health's community-based care network with the academic expertise of UC San Diego Health, the region's only academic health system. The organizations said the model is intended to improve access to advanced specialty care closer to patients' homes.
As part of its initial priorities, the health system plans to develop two shelled floors at the Escondido hospital to accommodate expanded specialty services. Planned areas of growth include advanced cancer care, cardiovascular services, and treatment for other complex medical conditions.
Representatives from Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, the region's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, will work with cancer care teams at the Escondido campus to develop new oncology services. Additional details about these services are expected to be announced during Summer 2026.
Existing patients of the former Palomar Health system will continue receiving care from their current physicians and care teams. The organizations also stated that information regarding access to UC San Diego Health specialists and an expanded care network will be made available through the Palomar UC San Diego Health website as new services are introduced.
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