January 10, 2025
The ongoing wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles region have significantly impacted hospitals and health systems across Southern California, prompting closures, delayed procedures, and expanded virtual care options.
While many hospitals and clinics remain operational, several facilities have temporarily closed due to fire damage or proximity to evacuation zones. Non-emergency surgeries and appointments are being postponed to prioritize urgent care and ensure patient safety.
Cedars-Sinai Response:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center remains open but has postponed non-urgent surgeries through Friday as the wildfires continue to threaten surrounding areas. Some outpatient offices and surgery centers in evacuation zones, including Santa Monica, Brentwood/West LA, and Pasadena, have closed. Power outages have also disrupted services at other locations. Cedars-Sinai is encouraging patients to use virtual care services and is directly contacting those affected.
UCLA Health Update:
UCLA Health hospitals remain fully operational without any changes to surgical scheduling. However, clinics in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and Santa Monica have closed due to fire threats. Most of UCLA Health’s 280 outpatient locations are still serving patients. UCLA Health urges the public to avoid emergency rooms unless facing life-threatening conditions and to contact primary care clinics for non-urgent needs.
Kaiser Permanente Response:
Kaiser Permanente facilities in Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Thousand Oaks have closed temporarily due to the fires. While most locations remain open, the system warns that closures and adjustments may continue as conditions evolve. Patients are advised to check Kaiser’s website for real-time updates.
AltaMed Health Services Impact:
The Eaton wildfire destroyed AltaMed’s Pasadena clinic, though all staff and patients were safely evacuated. Seven other AltaMed clinics in Los Angeles have temporarily closed.
City of Hope:
City of Hope closed its Pasadena and South Pasadena clinics due to the fires but has since reopened its hospital in Duarte. The system has warned patients of longer-than-usual hold times for rescheduling appointments.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles:
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles closed its specialty care clinics in Encino and Santa Monica but continues to operate its emergency department. Families needing urgent pediatric care are encouraged to seek help directly at the hospital.
Veterans Affairs and Adventist Health:
The San Gabriel Valley VA Clinic remains closed through Friday, with virtual care options available for patients.
Adventist Health Glendale remains open despite its proximity to the Eaton wildfire. The hospital continues to serve patients in its emergency department but has closed urgent care and pediatric services in Montrose.
Health Risks and Air Quality Concerns:
The wildfires have significantly impacted air quality across Los Angeles, raising concerns for patients with respiratory conditions like asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. Cedars-Sinai has increased pulmonology appointments to address these health risks.
Tragic Losses and Ongoing Threat:
The wildfires have claimed at least 10 lives, with over 10,000 structures destroyed, according to the Associated Press. The situation remains fluid, and medical facilities across Los Angeles continue to adjust operations to prioritize patient safety.
Physicians across Los Angeles are encouraged to stay informed, support their patients through virtual care options when possible, and prioritize those with urgent needs during this challenging time.
Comments