Our History

Our Beginnings - the Knapp Hospital

The Knapp Hospital was founded in 1931 by philanthropist George Knapp, a resident of Santa Barbara who frequently visited the Crescent City area. Mr. Knapp was a diabetic and sensitive to the lack of suitable medical facilities in the community. He donated $5,000 to have a modern hospital constructed.

Del Norte County Hospital

The Knapp Hospital was operated as a private hospital until 1945, when Del Norte County took over the operation of the facility, due to the increasing complexity of the hospital business.

When a new California law allowed the formation of special hospital districts, the Del Norte Local Hospital District was formed. The County sold the hospital to the Hospital District for one dollar, and the district assumed operation of the facility. It was renamed Seaside Hospital and Medical Clinic.

From Seaside Hospital to Sutter Coast Hospital

The Hospital District operated Seaside Hospital for 40 years. In 1986, they leased the facility to Sutter Health. A major provision of the lease agreement was that Sutter Health was to prepare a feasibility study on the construction of a new hospital within 18 months, and make a decision on proceeding with the development of a new hospital.

The feasibility study was conducted by Sutter Health in 1987, with the conclusion that a new hospital was viable. Land for the project (11 acres on Washington Boulevard) was donated by local resident Sonny Hussey.

In 1992, the new Sutter Coast Hospital opened.

Expansion of Sutter Coast Hospital

Two major additions have been made to the hospital since it opened in 1992. A major expansion of surgery services was completed in 1997.

In 1998, a hospital-based skilled nursing facility - the Transitional Care Unit - was completed.

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