Laguna Beach Residents Oppose Providence Mission Hospital's Plan to Close Emergency Room
Laguna Beach residents and city leaders are expressing significant concerns regarding Providence Mission Hospital's plans to cease operating a full-service acute care hospital in the city by 2030. This change would result in the closure of the community's only emergency room. Residents, including Carissa Dale and Murphy Gerber, argue that an urgent care facility, which Providence intends to evolve the campus into, cannot adequately address the needs of medical emergencies, especially in a coastal city prone to ocean rescues, cliff falls, and rattlesnake bites. Patricia Sweeney initiated a petition to save the emergency department, citing recent drownings and near-drownings. Providence attributes the decision partly to an estimated $350 million cost for seismic retrofitting required by state standards and a perceived low utilization rate of the current emergency department. Laguna Beach Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, who serves on the city's hospital task force, indicated that the decision appears to be finan... 
