Northridge Hospital Medical Welcomes New President

Paul H. Watkins has been named president of Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center and will lead the overall direction, strategy and operation of the hospital.

In his most recent role, Watkins served as the chief administrative officer and chief operating officer for UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, a CMS 5-Star rated facility.

“Paul’s leadership, experience and passion for delivering safe, high-quality health care made him the right person to lead Northridge Hospital,” says Julie J. Sprengel, Dignity Health President, Southern California Service Area. “His proven ability to work collaboratively and spearhead successful growth will help ensure a strong future for this hospital.”

With extensive experience in health care, Watkins is a seasoned, dynamic leader with a diverse background in hospital administration. Watkins has a spectacular record of achievement, having demonstrated success in initiating culture change through his collaborative approach, with a focus on decreasing readmission rates, improving safety measures and implementing strategic initiatives.

“I am honored to be selected as the next President of Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center,” states Paul H. Watkins, NHMC President. “I look forward to supporting the physicians and staff that provide quality care to patients and make the hospital an important resource for the community.” 

Watkins holds a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Science in Law degree from Peninsula University, Mountain View, CA. Additionally, Watkins has completed the Healthcare Facilities Executive Program from the University of Notre Dame, the Healthcare Executive Leadership Institute from Georgetown University and the Healthcare Supply Chain Lean Certification from the University of Michigan.

About Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center

Founded in 1955, Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed, acute care, nonprofit community hospital located in Northridge, California.  The hospital offers a full complement of award winning services, including the Leavey Cancer Center, a Cardiovascular Center, the Center for Assault Treatment Services, a Neuroscience Center of Excellence, a pediatric medical center, and the only pediatric trauma center in the San Fernando Valley.  The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems.