We are pleased to announce that the Los Angeles City Council ended a long-running struggle on March 6, voting unanimously to reaffirm its 2007 approval of the much-needed expansion of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

"This isn't just a great day for Providence Holy Cross, it's a big victory for our entire community," said Kerry Carmody, Chief Operating Officer, Providence Health & Services, California region. "We thank the City Council for allowing Providence Holy Cross to complete our commitment to expand health care services for the citizens of Los Angeles, add 250 new high-paying health care jobs while also putting union trade workers back to work on this most important building project," said Carmody.

The privately-funded, $180 million expansion will include a neo-natal intensive care unit, new ICU beds, a Women's Pavilion, a chapel and other new much needed features and services.

Emergency Department nurse Cathy Carter helped rally support for the expansion among co-workers and patients. "We are thrilled," Carter said. "This action today by the City Council will help us to improve patient care. It's hard enough for our patients to be comfortable when they're not feeling well, but impossible when they have to sleep on a gurney in a hallway until there's a room available. Our patients can't wait until this project is finished."

Councilman Greig Smith championed the cause and helped to shepherd the vote, urging the council members to set aside politics and re-vote on the project.