The San Francisco County Health Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss the acquisition of St. Francis Memorial Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center by UCSF Health. The meeting focused on the implications of this acquisition for healthcare services in the community, particularly for low-income populations.

The session began with a presentation by Shay Strahan, UCSF's Vice President of Partnerships, who emphasized the need for improved access to healthcare services in San Francisco. Strahan noted that UCSF has faced challenges in meeting community healthcare demands due to capacity limitations in its hospitals and clinics. The acquisition aims to address these issues by creating a new community hospital division that will focus on less complex healthcare services.

Strahan outlined several key commitments from UCSF regarding the acquisition. These include retaining and growing the current medical staff, maintaining existing services at St. Francis and St. Mary's, and investing in facility improvements and equipment. He assured the commission that UCSF would continue to provide financial assistance and charity care at current levels, which is crucial for serving the underserved populations in the area.

The discussion also highlighted the benefits of the acquisition for both the city and UCSF Health. For San Francisco, the acquisition promises to preserve emergency services, enhance behavioral health services, and expand access to critical healthcare services. For UCSF, it represents an opportunity to increase capacity for complex care while strengthening ties with community-based health services.

The meeting included contributions from various stakeholders, including nurses from the hospitals and a representative from the California Nurses Association, who provided insights into the vital services offered and the potential impacts of the acquisition on patient care.

In conclusion, the Health Commission's meeting underscored the importance of ensuring that the acquisition of St. Francis and St. Mary's aligns with the needs of the San Francisco community. The commission expressed a commitment to monitoring the implementation of UCSF's plans to ensure that healthcare services remain accessible and effective for all residents, particularly those in vulnerable populations.