The primary reason for the closure is dwindling patient volumes. Hospital officials said many days there are less than 10 inpatients at the hospital, and the number of inpatient surgeries has dropped to less than one a day.
The hospital’s parent system, Fountain Valley, Calif.-based MemorialCare Health System, explored other options before deciding to shut down the facility. In August 2014, MemorialCare announced plans to convert the 73-bed hospital into an outpatient medical campus. The system worked with state lawmakers on legislation that would have allowed a satellite emergency department at the outpatient campus in San Clemente. However, the legislation failed in January. The following week, the San Clemente City Council voted to rezone the San Clemente campus property to require hospital services.
“Without legislation to allow a satellite emergency department, and given this new restrictive rezoning that requires hospital services, the vision to convert the campus into a modern ambulatory care center cannot now be achieved,” said hospital officials.
Saddleback Memorial – Laguna Hills (Calif.) will remain open and hospital officials said they are exploring ways to add new urgent care services in San Clemente.
More articles on healthcare finance:
South Dakota hospital to lose Medicare funding
Mayo operating income dips 36.9% as expenses rise
S&P maintains stable outlook on nonprofit hospital sector
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
