Emergency and intensive care at Sharp Coronado Hospital

Sharp Coronado Hospital continues to receive national recognition for its excellence in providing high-quality medical services and patient-centered care to Coronado residents, visitors and the surrounding communities. As the demand for emergency services has increased, Sharp Coronado has identified the Emergency Department (ED) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as top priorities for expansion and improvement.  

The hospital has embarked on a $46.2 million project to include the expansion of emergency services, relocation of the Intensive Care Unit, seismic retrofitting of the hospital tower and designation to become a Primary Stroke Center. Coronado Hospital Foundation has committed to a $20.3 million fundraising campaign to contribute to the project with Sharp HealthCare supplementing the $25.9 million needed for the seismic retrofitting. 

In early 2024, Sharp Coronado received certification as a Primary Stroke Center, after consistently exceeding expectations as an Acute Ready Stroke Center. This provides Sharp Coronado with the resources and expertise to provide more advanced care to stroke patients from arrival through discharge, reducing the need for transfer. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, the vision for Sharp Coronado Hospital has become a reality. We are proud to share that our fundraising goal has been reached, and all interior renovations are complete, marking a new era of exceptional care for our community.

With your support, we have created a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit, expanded the Emergency Department and established a Primary Stroke Center.

The hospital’s fourth floor, with its inherent privacy and picturesque views of the Coronado bridge and neighboring community, serves as the revitalized Sherrie and Ron Auen Intensive Care Unit, consisting of seven state-of-the-art private rooms, with ample space for life-saving technology and room for loved ones to visit.

In January 2025, Coronado Hospital Foundation board members and hospital executives celebrated the Emergency Department (ED) expansion. This milestone grew the ED from eight to 15 beds and added critical clinical space to support physicians and staff in delivering advanced emergency care.

The expansion also enabled Sharp Coronado to receive accreditation as a primary stroke center, earning national recognition as one of the smallest hospitals in the country to achieve this certification. In 2025, the ED team celebrated another landmark achievement: receiving the Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) — a first in our hospital’s history. This prestigious honor recognizes emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and clinical excellence.

Dr. William Bianchi, Emergency Department Medical Director, shared:

“Since our ED transformation, patient satisfaction scores lead the Sharp system — and our median door-to-provider time is just 4 minutes, the best in the system! Our Emergency Department transformation ensures our community can rely on us when seconds matter. We’re deeply grateful to all the donors who make our work possible.”

These transformations are more than bricks and mortar — they offer a lifeline for Coronado. Residents have access to comprehensive emergency services, intensive care and stroke treatment, without leaving the island.

What’s Next: A New Arrival Experience

While interior renovations are complete, the final phase of construction will transform the exterior of the Emergency Department, improving the patient experience, ensuring comfort and efficiency from the moment patients arrive. The remodel includes:

• ED Entry and Arrival Upgrade – A redesigned entry canopy and welcoming arrival area.

• Ambulance Drop-Off Improvements – Streamlined access for emergency vehicles.

• Enhanced capabilities for additional triage space.

It’s Not Too Late to Make an Impact

The journey isn’t over. You can still be part of this historic transformation and help us with ongoing needs within emergency and intensive care. Your support will ensure every patient’s experience — from arrival to treatment — reflects the highest standard of care.

Join us today and make a lasting difference for our community.