FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2026
Contact: Jennifer Murray 831-515-2802
The Measure N-funded diagnostic imaging systems enhance patient care
WATSONVILLE, CA, Sept. 8, 2026 — Watsonville Community Hospital (WCH) today announced that its new MRI and CT imaging systems, funded through voter-approved Measure N, are now available for patient care. The hospital received state licensing approval for the technology on Wednesday (Sept. 2), clearing the way for physicians to begin using it by the end of the month.
The new equipment — a Philips Spectral CT 7500 and a Philips Ingenia Ambition 1.5T MRI — replaces aging systems that had become unreliable. These will provide key patient services on site at the hospital.
Transportation, income and insurance status can make traveling for care difficult for many Pajaro Valley residents. Patients now can receive advanced diagnostic imaging closer to home, allowing physicians to make timely treatment decisions and helping reduce the need to transfer patients elsewhere solely for imaging. The new imaging systems will support emergency, cancer, stroke, orthopedic, surgical, cardiovascular and in-patient care.
“This is exactly what Measure N was intended to fund,” said Board Chair Tony Nunez. “Because of the support of local voters, our community now has access to state-of-the-art medical technology right here at Watsonville Community Hospital. This is an investment in the health and future of the Pajaro Valley.”
When Watsonville Community Hospital returned to community ownership, it inherited aging facilities and equipment. Modern imaging quickly became a top priority — a need written directly into Measure N, the $116 million bond Pajaro Valley voters approved on March 5, 2024, with 68.26% support.
Staff from the hospital’s imaging department evaluated available systems, visited other facilities, and assessed reliability and workflow before recommending the equipment. The Board approved the purchase in June 2025, authorizing up to $12 million for equipment, installation and construction. Installation was completed earlier this year, in advance of this week’s state licensing review.
About the Pajaro Valley Health Care District
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District is a public healthcare district formed to ensure continued access to high-quality, equitable healthcare for the Pajaro Valley community. Established in 2022 to help preserve and strengthen local hospital services, the District oversees Watsonville Community Hospital and is governed by a publicly elected five-member board committed to supporting sustainable operations, expanding access to care, and improving community health outcomes. For
more information, pvhcd.org.
About Watsonville Community Hospital
Watsonville Community Hospital is a public, non-profit community healthcare provider; a 106-bed acute care facility serving Watsonville and the surrounding culturally diverse tri-county area along California’s Central Coast. The hospital offers a wide range of quality medical and surgical services including cardiac care, diagnostic imaging, emergency services, maternity services, orthopedics, pediatrics, rehabilitation services, robotic surgery, urology, vascular surgery, women’s health services, and wound care. With 650 employees and more than 300 physicians, the hospital strives to exceed patient expectations, deliver the highest quality care, and be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home