Stories

“When our Mission Viejo Company provided the land for the hospital, the five of us owners envisioned a world-class care facility that would become an important and beloved member of our community. Five decades later, we proudly celebrate that Providence Mission Hospital is all that and more. All of us at Rancho Mission Viejo — and especially Melinda and I — look forward to how Providence Mission Hospital continues to care for our south Orange County community and commit our support of all goals and dreams of the next 50 years!”

— Tony Moiso, Rancho Mission Viejo CEO

Celebrating 50 Years of Sacred Moments

South Orange County, circa 1969.

On a barren hillside on the O’Neill Ranch, a group of forward-thinking, concerned physicians envision the future. They know the rolling hills and wide-open spaces around them will soon be one of the fastest-growing communities in Southern California. They realize the need for accessible, quality medical care to serve the coming population. And they recognize the
opportunity to practice medicine as they feel it should be practiced with a hospital built by doctors for doctors, allowing them to do the best job they know how to do.

Eventually, 100 physicians invest in the dream, with land provided by the Mission Viejo Company. Providence Mission Hospital opens on August 11, 1971, with 124 patient beds, 330 employees and a medical staff of 41 physicians providing general acute care, including obstetrics, pediatrics, surgery, intensive care and emergency services. It is the first step toward becoming a regional medical center that will eventually serve the health care needs of the entire south Orange County.

Decades later in 1993, Providence Mission Hospital partners with CHOC Children’s to provide pediatric services and in 1994, becomes a member of St. Joseph Health, a nonprofit Catholic health care ministry founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.

Fast forward to 2021: Providence Mission Hospital’s Golden Anniversary. Our campus may have grown and changed over the years, but our commitment to our community remains steadfast. We were recently recognized as the top-ranked hospital in all Orange County, according to Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals” — how far we have come! To celebrate, Providence Mission Hospital will have a 50th Anniversary Celebration and Rededication during our annual Holiday Gala on Saturday, December 4 on the Mission Viejo campus. His Excellency Bishop Kevin Vann will preside over the rededication during the event. For more information, please contact Rachelle Chin, events manager, at Rachelle.Chin@providence.org or 949-365-3893.

As we celebrate the past, we are looking forward to developing how Providence Mission Hospital will serve the community in the years ahead.