Dear Colleagues,

Today marks a defining moment in UCSF Health’s commitment to children and families in the East Bay: the formal transition of BCH Oakland employees to UC employment. This milestone brings to life the vision behind our affiliation more than a decade ago—to build a unified pediatric system that expands access, improves outcomes, and meets the needs of every child we serve.

‌What began as an affiliation rooted in shared purpose has become a leading force for pediatric care in the Bay Area, combining nationally ranked specialty care with deep community roots. This next step strengthens that foundation by removing structural barriers, expanding opportunities for staff, and preparing us to deliver on the full potential of our $1.6 billion investment in Oakland’s modernization.

That investment is more than a physical transformation; it reflects our long-term commitment to the East Bay and to reimagining how we deliver high-quality, equitable pediatric care for the future. The new Oakland hospital building will add 104 inpatient beds, tripling the number of single-patient rooms as the current hospital and providing a much-needed behavioral health unit. Upon its completion in 2031, Oakland will have greater pediatric care capacity than our San Francisco campus—a clear signal of our commitment to meeting the needs of families in the East Bay, now and for generations to come.

‌By aligning employment structures, BCH Oakland employees now gain access to the same benefits and protections available throughout the University of California. This includes representation by the large public-sector unions that support UC employees systemwide, as well as access to a more valuable pension plan, a broader suite of benefits, and expanded opportunities for career growth across the UC system.

‌At the same time, we remain committed to preserving what makes our Oakland campus unique. Its legacy, identity, and deep connection to the community have shaped generations of care and will continue to guide our path forward. The goal of this integration is not to replace that identity, but to honor and sustain it while strengthening the hospital’s long-term ability to serve patients, support staff, and deliver on our mission.

‌Still, this is only the beginning. The work of aligning operations, systems, and care delivery continues—and will be essential to making this transition meaningful for the patients, families, and teams who count on us. That work is already underway, and we are grateful to all who are helping lead it.

‌To our BCH Oakland colleagues: welcome. Your expertise, dedication, and deep community roots make us stronger. We are proud to move forward with you as one system, united in mission and purpose.

‌Sincerely,

‌Suresh Gunasekaran
President & CEO, UCSF Health

‌Nicholas Holmes, MD, MBA
President, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
Senior Vice President, Children’s Services, UCSF Health