Our History

From our humble beginnings as a small wooden structure to the expansive campus we know today, ZSFG has stood ready and at the forefront. We provided care through many significant historical natural disasters and health crises in our city. Now, more than 150 years later, we continue to lead in research in health innovation. And we provide compassionate care for the whole person and the whole city with the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Thank you, San Francisco.

The Coronavirus pandemic hits the world. ZSFG reacts by helping all in need. We are a critical public health resource for information, care, and vaccine distribution in San Francisco.

In 2016, construction of our new facility was completed. Today, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center cares for 20% of all San Franciscans.

84% of San Francisco voters passed Proposition A to build a new acute care and trauma center on the original hospital site. In 2011, San Francisco General Hospital Foundation launched the Heart of Our City Capital Campaign to raise funds.

The first AIDS case was confirmed at San Francisco General Hospital. The hospital opened Ward 58, the first AIDS inpatient unit in the US, and Ward 86, the first outpatient clinic dedicated to AIDS – setting the world standard for care and treatment of AIDS.

Photo Courtesy of San Francisco General Hospital Historical Archives

San Francisco General Hospital became a pioneer in trauma care and, in 1972, received its Federal Trauma Center designation, which it has held ever since.

Photo Courtesy of San Francisco General Hospital Historical Archives

The hospital was providing 75% of all hospital care for San Franciscans who couldn‘t afford payment – with UCSF faculty staff, a house staff of young physicians, undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students, and 150 volunteers.

Photo Courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

The Great San Francisco Earthquake struck on April 18th – destroying over 80% of the city and killing 3,000 people. Luckily the hospital was spared and became “a Mecca where all the sick and injured, be their situation what it may, sought shelter and treatment.”

Photo Courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

The first official City and County Hospital was built at the present Potrero Avenue location. In 1873, the hospital began its agreement with UCSF.

Photo Courtesy of San Francisco General Hospital Historical Archives

Before the Gold Rush, San Francisco was a tiny settlement, pop. 850. Once gold was discovered, that quickly changed. The city’s population exploded and so did problems with sanitation and rampant illness, including cholera, tuberculosis, fevers, and smallpox.

Photo Courtesy of San Francisco General Hospital Historical Archives