Tucson Medical Center (TMC), is a locally governed nonprofit regional hospital in Tucson, Arizona. The medical center is a part of healthcare network TMC Health, the forth largest healthcare network in Arizona with four affiliated hospitals, 523 staffed beds, and over 37,000 annual discharges.[2][3] TMC Health brings in over $765 million in revenue annually, the fifth highest among Arizona healthcare networks. The Medical Center is also a member of the Mayo Clinic Network.[4][5]
History
In the 1920's Desert Sanatorium began operating as a tuberculosis treatment center and health retreat at the site that would eventually become Tucson Medical Center. The Sanatorium was primarily frequented by those diagnosed with tuberculosis, and seeking treatment in the dry, warm air of Arizona. Heliotherapy was often used as treatment for these patients.[6] Three of the original buildings can still be found on the medical center's campus today, and have received designations on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings primarily serving as administrative office space.[7][8]
In the summer of 1943, the sanatorium closed after facing numerous hardships — the Great Depression, a loss of clientele, and a shortage of nurses brought on by World War II.[9] The community, recognizing the need for a hospital, organized to raise money to reopen the building as a general hospital. Tucson Medical Center opened on November 9, 1944, admitting its first patient.[6] The center has grown significantly to meet the needs of the surrounding city as it has also seen much population growth.[9]
Awards and recognition
TMC is listed by Thomson Reuters as one of the nation's 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals for 2011 – the only hospital in Southern Arizona to make the list.[10]
TMC earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for 2011.[11][12]
TMC's electronic medical record is one of the few to reach the top level, Stage 7, on the HIMSS Analytics Database, which tracks hospital EMRs from Stages 0–7.[13]
TMC is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP).[14]
TMC designated an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.[15]
TMC's support of breastfeeding is recognized with the IBCLC Care Award from the International Lactation Consultant Association.[16]
TMC is one of the top-ranked hospitals in Tucson named by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Hospitals Metro Area Rankings.[17]
TMC for Children is an associate member of the National Association of Children's Hospital and Related Institutions.[18]
TMC Neurosciences holds NeuStrategy designation as a Neuroscience Center of Excellence.[19]
