Our History

From our beginnings as a small rural clinic, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital is, today, a full acute care hospital and outpatient clinics. Our over 60-year journey has served to equip us with the depth of insight, professional expertise, and most importantly, the caring hearts that are vital in positioning us as the partner of choice for our community's healthcare needs.

The staff at RRH considers it a privilege to serve the people of the Southern Sierra Region. We hope that, whether you are an outpatient or an inpatient, you will experience our goal of providing you with the highest quality healthcare in a warm and compassionate environment.

Since 1932

1932

• Dr. Thomas A. Drummond stopped en route in the then thriving town of Red Mountain

1960's

• Ridgecrest Community Hospital was introduced

1977

• A new Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) opened

1980's

• Introduction of tele-medicine services and hospital expansion to include an ER department

1990's

• Ridgecrest Community Hospital marked its 30th anniversary and was re-named to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital

2005

• A multi-million dollar project broke ground to offer a variety of outpatient services

2008

Expansion project continued to include a 2-story medical and surgical wing

2010

• Rural Health Clinic and Urgent Care Clinic were introduced

2015

• With the plan to improve standard of care, RRH took over the management of Ridgecrest Healthcare Center and introduced Bella Sera

2017-2018

• The Crisis Stabilization Unit opened in partnership with RRH and Kern County mental Health Department. Occupational Medicine Clinic opened in May. The Cancer Center opens. RRH and SSUSD unite to bring health care to school campuses.

2019

• The first Neurosurgery Spine Clinic opened in collaboration with USC Neurosurgery, part of Keck Medicine of USC. RRH announces the inter to purchase Liberty Ambulance to ensure greater services for patients. 6.4 and 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks RRH!

2020

• The COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone's lives and the RRH staff rose to the occasion through innovation, compassion, and service. We saw many people become heroes.

2021-2023

• From 2021 to 2023, RRH expanded COVID response efforts, launched antibody testing, increased capacity, and earned national recognition for care.