Dr. Prem Reddy and his family were joined by hundreds of guests as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of Desert Valley Hospital, an award-winning medical center founded by a physician.
Friday’s “Silver Anniversary” celebration and luncheon were held under a large tent in the parking lot of the 148-bed hospital and heart center located on Bear Valley Road in Victorville.
The event included guest speakers, proclamations by dignitaries, live music, a video presentation, a time capsule, and words of appreciation by Reddy, who called his vision of building a local hospital a “crazy idea” that eventually became reality.
The chairman, president, and CEO of Prime Healthcare, Dr. Prem Reddy thanked various individuals, organizations, and hospital personnel for making Desert Valley an award-winning medical center, one that has touched many live, provided 900 jobs, and provided care for nearly 44,000 patients a year.
With photos, news clippings, memorabilia, and other pieces of hospital history placed throughout the tent, Reddy thanked numerous physicians and medical personnel who stood by his side during “good times and hard times.”
“This 25th-anniversary milestone speaks volumes to our commitment to quality care and our dedication to our community,” said Reddy, who lives in Apple Valley. “I am proud of the Desert Valley Hospital staff and the legacy we have formed.”
Reddy shared a bit of his life story, which included being born in a rural village in India, attending college, and immigrating to the U.S., a place he called, “The greatest nation on earth.” He also said he moved to Apple Valley because it reminded him of home.”
Fred Hunter, CEO of DVH/DVMG, told the audience he was honored that Reddy gave him “the gift of stewardship” over his legacy and the responsibility to carry on his vision.
“Our hospital was founded by a respected member of our community, Dr. Reddy, and it is staffed each day with many people who are proud to call Victor Valley home,” Hunter said. “It is a privilege to serve this strong, vibrant community, and our silver anniversary event is a celebration of that, as well as of our history and future.”
The video presentation included several congratulatory messages, including those by First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood, Assemblyman Jay Obernolte, State Sen. Scott Wilk, and Rep. Paul Cook.
“After 25 years, Desert Valley Hospital is growing, thriving, and hitting new targets of excellence,” said Dr. Amer Rayyes, a former physician with DVMG who began working with Reddy locally in 1988. “The bad news is that those of us that were here since the beginning are 25 years older.”
Rayyes admitted that he and many others thought Reddy’s vision of building a hospital “from scratch was crazy.” He added that Reddy is not the kind of guy who would be deterred or discouraged from what most would consider obstacles.
Amy Pullen, DVH Chief Nursing Officer, who called the hospital a “culture of family,” said her mother started at the hospital six months after it opened. Pullen’s mother worked in the Med-Surg Department and many others for over 20 years.
“I began working for Desert Valley Hospital in August of 2000 as a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit,” Pullen said. “Fast forward 19 years later, and I am now the Chief Nursing Officer. My cousin, Brian, is the Emergency Preparedness Manager for our division. My sister was a social worker, my husband an Emergency Room tech, and so many more.”
Pullen said her children were also born at DVH, with her teenage daughter a student volunteer there.
In 1994, Western legends Roy Rogers and Dale Evans helped cut the ribbon on the 83-bed acute care facility that gained the attention of investors. Reddy later sold the hospital, believing he was leaving the facility in the hands of an organization with the experience to continue his work, a DVH statement said.
After turning over the DVH to new management in 1998, the hospital struggled and faced imminent closure. Three years later, Reddy founded Prime Healthcare Services and purchased the then-failing hospital.
After reviving DVH, Reddy was approached by a second struggling hospital in Chino Valley. Reddy’s organization welcomed the hospital into its management.
DVH also includes a 12-bed intensive care unit, 24-hour emergency care, urgent care, state-of-the-art heart center/cardiac cath lab, women’s and maternity services, occupational medicine, outpatient and inpatient services, orthopedic services, pharmacy, health education, and lab services.
Part of Reddy’s legacy includes the work done outside the hospital in partnership with others, such as a program the hospital funds at Victor Valley College to provide tuition and books for 16 nursing students each semester, which benefits 64 students annually who are also offered a nursing career upon graduation.
DVH also offers annual scholarships through the Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation to residents from the High Desert pursuing a career in healthcare. A dedicated supporter of causes that impact the community, the hospital also partners with local organizations such as A Better Way, American Cancer Society, High Desert Phoenix Foundation, Today’s Woman Foundation, Victor Elementary Education Foundation, and the local chamber of commerce.
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