A Modern Hospital for a Growing Community
Opened on June 5, 2006, Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center was established to meet the healthcare needs of the rapidly expanding population of Gilbert, Arizona. At the time of its opening, it was the first full-service hospital in the town, a significant milestone for a community that previously had limited local hospital access. The facility was constructed in a remarkably fast 30-month timeframe to address the urgent demand for hospital beds in the East Valley. Starting with 88 beds, the hospital was designed for growth from day one.
Evolution and Expansion
Shortly after opening, Mercy Gilbert began expanding to keep pace with community needs. A major expansion in 2009 increased its capacity to over 200 beds. In 2012, its parent organization, Catholic Healthcare West (CHW), rebranded to Dignity Health, a name now synonymous with the hospital. The campus itself has grown to include medical office buildings to house various physician practices, further cementing its role as a comprehensive health hub. The hospital's name honors the Sisters of Mercy, who first brought their compassionate care to Arizona in 1892 and opened the state's first hospital, St. Joseph's, in 1895.
Partnership for Pediatric Care
In a significant move to enhance specialized care, Dignity Health announced a partnership with Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH). This collaboration led to the construction of a new tower at the Mercy Gilbert campus, Phoenix Children's Hospital–East Valley, dedicated to pediatrics, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and expanded labor and delivery services.
Key Services for Healthy Aging
Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center provides a wide array of services that are particularly beneficial for seniors and those focused on healthy aging. The hospital has received national recognition for its excellence in many of these areas.
Core services include:
- Heart and Vascular Care: As an accredited Chest Pain Center, the hospital offers comprehensive cardiology services to prevent, diagnose, and treat heart conditions. Healthgrades ranked Mercy Gilbert in the top 10% nationally for cardiology services in 2025.
- Orthopedic Services: The hospital provides a full spectrum of orthopedic care, including nationally recognized joint replacement programs for hips and knees. This is crucial for seniors dealing with mobility issues, arthritis, and fall-related injuries.
- Neurological and Stroke Care: Mercy Gilbert is a designated Primary Stroke Center, offering rapid response and advanced treatment for stroke patients. It has earned the American Heart Association's 'Get With The Guidelines' Gold Plus award for its stroke program.
- Gastroenterology: The hospital offers advanced diagnostic and treatment services for digestive health issues, a common concern for older adults.
- Emergency Services: The 24/7 emergency room is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies and is supported by specialized centers for cardiac and stroke events.
Awards and National Recognition
Since its opening, Mercy Gilbert has consistently been recognized for its clinical excellence and patient safety. Its commitment to quality care is reflected in numerous awards.
- Healthgrades America's 100 Best Hospitals: This prestigious award places the hospital in the top tier nationally for overall clinical performance.
- Pulmonary & Critical Care Excellence: It has been named a top hospital for pulmonary and critical care for multiple years.
- Patient Safety: Mercy Gilbert has been recognized by The Leapfrog Group, a national healthcare watchdog, as a Top Teaching Hospital, indicating high standards in preventing medical errors and infections.
- Specialty Care: The hospital has received five-star ratings from Healthgrades for treatment of heart failure, COPD, pneumonia, and sepsis, among others.
For more information on their services, you can visit the official Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center website.
Hospital Comparison: Mercy Gilbert vs. Chandler Regional
| Feature | Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center | Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center |
|---|---|---|
| Year Opened | 2006 | 1961 |
| Bed Count | 197 | 429 |
| Key Focus | Modern facility built for a growing community | Long-established, larger regional trauma center |
| Recent Awards | Healthgrades America's 100 Best Hospitals (2023) | Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals (2022) |
Conclusion: A Pillar of Modern Healthcare in the East Valley
In the years since its 2006 opening, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has evolved from a much-needed community hospital into a nationally recognized leader in healthcare. Its focus on specialized services for heart, orthopedic, and neurological care makes it an invaluable resource for the aging population of Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley. Through continuous expansion, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Mercy Gilbert stands as a modern pillar of health and wellness in Arizona.
