Saddleback Memorial Medical Center Closes In San Clemete

SAN CLEMENTE, CA --- Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente closed this week as scheduled, but officials assured the public that a variety of medical services will still be available in the community.

Hospital officials in March announced the medical facility would close May 31.

Tony Struthers, the hospital's administrator, said residents of San Clemente and surrounding cities can continue to count on "physician health centers, urgent care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, and imaging centers with comprehensive technology such as MRIs, CT scans.''

Officials are taking same-day appointments at the medical centers and are extending the hours at physician health centers to after 5 p.m. on weekends in San Clemente.

There's also a new MemorialCare Urgent Care Center in San Juan Capistrano, which is open every day, including holidays, officials said.

Many of the hospital's employees found new jobs at the company's other facilities and elsewhere, officials said. Of the 166 full-time and part-time workers, about 30 were transferred and 18 were offered early retirement.

About 60 got new jobs within other hospitals, outpatient facilities and elsewhere.

Patient totals at the hospital had been dwindling, which prompted the closure.

Saddleback officials say Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach is 7 miles away and Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo is about 9 miles away, so area
residents will be covered.

• Previous: Final Decision: Saddleback Memorial Medical Center to Close San Clemente Hospital

• Also see: Looking For A Nursing Home In San Clemente, Nearby? Medicare Offers Comparison Guide

--City News Service/File photo