Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach (Calif.) has begun a multiyear planning process to phase out acute care and emergency services.
The hospital attributed its decision to low inpatient demand and the high cost of renovations needed for the facility, which was built in 1959. On average, 80% of the hospital’s 159 licensed beds are unused each day, a Providence spokesperson said in a Feb. 2 statement shared with Becker’s.
Providence would need to dedicate $300 million to comply with California’s seismic safety mandates by 2030, Chief Executive Seth Teigen told the Laguna Beach City Council at a Jan. 27 meeting. It would also cost an additional $50 million to replace the hospital’s plumbing and electrical systems, The Orange County Register reported Feb. 2.
The hospital said it aims to develop a “more responsive, future-focused” healthcare model to better meet the community’s long-term needs.
“Transitioning away from acute care and emergency services will happen over time through thoughtful planning and coordination with local partners and community leaders, to ensure continuity of care for the Laguna Beach community,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to ensuring Laguna Beach residents continue to receive high-quality care in the most appropriate setting, and we are committed to keeping our community informed as we move forward.”
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