The investment supports several clinical and infrastructure upgrades at the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center, including radiology renovations and patient lift installations.
VA San Diego Healthcare System received funding for several maintenance projects during the third quarter of fiscal year 2026. This funding is part of a $4.8 billion nationwide initiative to modernize and repair health care facilities through the Veterans Health Administration Non-recurring Maintenance program.
According to a press release from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the projects focus on clinical technology, patient safety, and facility infrastructure.
Clinical and Technology Upgrades
Several projects target specialized clinical spaces. An interventional radiology hybrid room renovation is currently in the design phase, which will add a C-arm and X-ray tube to provide digital imaging and support faster surgical procedures. The facility is also repurposing office space into a dedicated Mohs procedure room to increase capacity and enhance patient comfort and safety.
To support sterile processing, the system is installing a new cart-washer and air compressor. Additionally, the Jennifer Moreno Medical Center hospital building will receive 103 patient lifts to provide coverage in patient rooms, restrooms, exam rooms, and recovery areas, assisting staff with safe patient handling.
“This funding allows VA San Diego Healthcare System to continue modernizing and improving, so our facility remains safe, efficient, and equipped to provide high-quality care for our veterans in San Diego and Imperial Counties,” says Frank P Pearson, director, VA San Diego Healthcare System, in a release.
Infrastructure and Engineering Improvements
The funding also addresses essential building systems and energy efficiency. Engineering projects include:
- Air Handling and Exhaust: Replacement of air handling units and exhaust fans in the main hospital, including an upgrade from pneumatic controls to digital controls that connect to the building management system.
- Central Energy Plant: Optimization of system controls and correction of deficiencies in the chilled water system.
- Boiler Systems: Site preparation for an additional boiler to meet backup standards for heating systems.
- Sanitary Systems: Redesign and replacement of the above-ground sanitary lateral system to ensure reliable operation.
Furthermore, an inpatient medical/surgery unit renovation will convert a former community living center unit into an acute care space, changing multi-patient rooms into single-patient rooms to update the facility layout.
National Funding Context
Of the $4.8 billion committed for fiscal year 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs has obligated $2.2 billion as of the third quarter. This national obligation includes $915 million for repairing and upgrading outdated infrastructure, $229 million for infrastructure maintenance to support future electronic health record system updates, and $11 million for major building upgrades such as elevators and electrical systems.
The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that these investments are part of broader efforts to expand access to care, which included opening 38 new health care facilities since Jan 20, 2025, and enrolling more than 180,000 new veterans in VA health care during 2026.
