The city of Irvine, California, is positioning itself as a significant hub for health care with the recent openings of two new hospitals by City of Hope and UCI Health. These developments are set against a backdrop of extensive investment and planning, reflecting the area’s growing needs in health care.
UCI Health officially opened a new 144-bed hospital on December 1, 2025, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to create a medical center that combines academic medicine with community care. According to UCI Health spokesperson John Murray, this hospital marks the first all-electric facility in the nation, symbolizing a return to the university’s roots in Irvine.
The roots of Irvine’s health-care evolution stretch back to the late 1970s. When Mayor Larry Agran relocated to the city in 1975, it was to support his wife’s admission to the UC Irvine School of Medicine, which was one of the first medical schools to accept women. Agran has since witnessed the city’s health-care landscape transform dramatically, starting with the opening of the Irvine Medical Center in 1988 and its subsequent acquisition by Hoag in 2010.
This month is particularly notable as it also marks the opening of City of Hope’s new facility, which aims to address the increasing demand for cancer care in the region. The center, built on a 72-acre campus, is part of a larger strategy to enhance health services in Orange County, where the aging population is driving a surge in health-care needs.
The health-care sector in Orange County currently employs nearly 200,000 people across approximately 17,500 establishments. The industry has doubled its workforce in the last 20 years, underscoring its critical role in the local economy. According to Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO of the Orange County Business Council, major employers such as UCI Health, Hoag, and Kaiser Permanente are at the forefront of health-care innovations originating in the area.
The demographic trends further amplify the urgency for expanded health-care services. The population of Orange County, approximately 3.2 million, has seen a significant rise in the number of residents aged 65 and older, growing from 11.7% to 16.4% between 2010 and 2022. This shift necessitates enhanced health-care infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the community.
With the current population of Irvine exceeding 310,000, the city has experienced remarkable growth since its incorporation in 1971. The planned addition of over 50,000 homes by 2045 will further strain existing health-care resources, prompting major health systems to invest significantly in new facilities. Hoag’s expansion, set to open in 2026, will include several new institutes focused on various health specialties, supported by over $1 billion in investments.
The collaborative effort between the city and health-care providers has been crucial in facilitating these developments. City Manager Sean Crumby noted that staff worked closely with health-care organizations to ensure that the necessary infrastructure could support the anticipated demands. This includes addressing transportation and housing needs for the incoming workforce, which remains a pressing concern.
The health-care investments in Irvine are not just about numbers; they represent a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. With increasing health-care options, job creation, and advancements in medical technology, Irvine is set to become a prominent center for biomedical and biotechnical excellence in the United States.
As the city continues to evolve, the integration of health care into its master-planned communities underscores a forward-thinking approach to urban development. The vision set forth by developers and health-care leaders is shaping Irvine into a model for future health-care innovation and accessibility, benefiting not only current residents but also generations to come.
