San Mateo Community Hospital on 39th Avenue in Westwood Knolls first opened its doors in 1923. After several name changes, including San Mateo County General Hospital in 1962 and Chope Hospital in 1970, the hospital is now known as the San Mateo County General Hospital which is part of the San Mateo Medical Center.

Having grown up near the hospital, I’ve seen it change into a thriving county medical center after being in danger of losing its accreditation because of the condition of the physical plant in 1993. Beginning in 1994, the SMMC began its renovations with the additions of new wings and facilities on the campus, which completed in 2002.

The remodel changed the physical landscape of the area with the construction of beautiful modern buildings and large parking areas. Although this mostly residential neighborhood has felt the effects of the improved county health center with increased traffic and street parking, this facility services all cities between South San Francisco and Menlo Park as well as the Coastal cities, and is a facility to be proud of.

Image of the former Chope Hospital, courtesy of the Online Archive of California

Today’s San Mateo Medical Center