August 28th, 2024 
The construction of the new Seneca Hospital and Nursing Home has begun under the leadership and guidance of Shawn McKenzie, CEO, and the Seneca Healthcare District (SHD) Board of Directors. This hospital is the result of many hours of team planning, research, and employee/community input over the last several years.
The master plan for the new Hospital and attached Nursing Home brings our long-awaited hospital build to fruition. Staff, Board Members, Volunteers, and Vendor Partners have been working on facilities planning to bring this new and modern hospital to all communities we serve. The updated facility, expected to be completed in the Spring of 2027, will create visitor-friendly areas for patients and families and provide ample space to accommodate expanded services and state-of-the-art medical equipment. The facility will incorporate new technologies and medical advancements to expand our expertise and fulfill our goal to be the Lake Almanor Basin’s healthcare provider of choice.
The current Seneca Hospital has been a key part of a 70-year history of rural healthcare in and around the Lake Almanor Basin. SHD was established in 1947 as an independent special district to meet the needs of our rural community. The hospital was built using the 1946 Hill-Burton Act and opened its doors to patients in 1954. The skilled nursing facility admitted its first patient in 1976. In 1996, Seneca Healthcare District built a hospital-based rural health clinic and associated medical office building. A replacement hospital is necessary to meet the community’s need for comprehensive, state-of-the-art healthcare to best serve patients for generations to come.
The goal is to provide an updated facility that utilizes the latest hospital design and infrastructure to support our staff in their mission to provide highly reliable, quality care for patients in an environment designed to maximize their workflow and enhance both the provider and patient experience. The new hospital will have an expanded emergency department (ED) to allow for increased capacity and includes a designated trauma bay. Additionally, we will have increased surgical capacity and improved access to ancillary diagnostic services such as lab and medical imaging. The inpatient rooms will boast increased privacy and space for family members to stay overnight when conditions allow.
The Seneca Healthcare District Planning Team initially faced several obstacles while pursuing this project. SHD originally accepted a bid for the project, but while preparing for construction and the tree harvest, an environmental/biological inspection resulted in the discovery of a Great Blue Heron nest with two (2) chicks. The Great Blue Herron, protected by the Migratory Bird Act of 1918, made a nest in one of the trees in the middle of the new build site. The protected bird’s presence significantly delayed the project as the district was obligated to wait for the bird and its hatchlings to leave the premises. The trees were declared clear for harvest upon all birds’ departure in October 2023. During the waiting period, the cost of the new hospital building increased exponentially. Rising inflation and Buy America Build America (BABA) caused an increase of approximately 11% for the total project cost. SHD was at a standstill. A second bid that appeared to be within budget was submitted; however, the contractor quickly rescinded it due to an error in the spreadsheet used to calculate the bid amount. Seneca put the New Hospital Build project out to bid a third time and received a bid that the District Board ultimately approved. Upon Board approval, the project has finally commenced.
The total cost for the new hospital is $83,702,640. The project is funded through a combination of voter-approved general obligation bonds, certificates of participation debt, Seneca Healthcare cash reserves and community philanthropy. The support of the many communities throughout the Lake Almanor basin has been and will continue to be essential to the project’s success. We are amazed by the generous support of residents and second homeowners throughout the area and cannot thank everyone enough.
Shawn McKenzie, CEO of SHD, expressed his excitement and gratitude, “This project is a hallmark of SHD’s passion for quality healthcare and dedication to caring for our neighbors. I appreciate every person who has helped contribute to the new hospital; from the passing of the bond measure, and hours of work, to philanthropic support. We are truly blessed to be part of the Lake Almanor community. ” As construction begins, the Seneca Healthcare District New Build Planning Team shares his elated perspective.
As we proceed with our new community hospital, please look for updates in the weeks to come.
About Seneca Health District: SHD’s mission is to provide community members and visitors with outstanding healthcare services and quality care through dedicated and compassionate staff, providers, and innovative technology. Our commitment to the communities around us is to create an atmosphere that promotes wellness and healing.
