Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Plans to Close Pediatric Ward, Raising Concerns for North Coast Families
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s announcement of its intent to close its inpatient children’s ward has sparked alarm among pediatricians and health officials, who warn it will leave families across Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake counties with limited access to overnight pediatric care.
Providence, the operator of Santa Rosa Memorial, cited financial pressures and low patient volume as the reasons for the planned closure, announced late last month. The move would disproportionately impact low-income families relying on Medi-Cal, who already face challenges accessing specialized care, as alternative local inpatient pediatric units are scarce; Sutter Health’s Santa Rosa hospital does not have one, and Kaiser Permanente generally serves only its members. The closure highlights a growing trend of rural hospital service reductions impacting vulnerable populations.
At a meeting yesterday, members of the Sonoma County Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Board voiced strong opposition to the plan. “It’s obvious we’re in somewhat of a crisis mode,” said Michael Perry, a retired Santa Rosa dentist and advisory board member. Dr. Deborah Britt, a pediatrician with Providence Medical Group, expressed concern about transfer logistics, noting that Bay Area hospitals like UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland often operate at capacity, especially during winter respiratory surges. Approximately 300 children annually would require transfer to out-of-county hospitals if the ward closes, according to estimates.
Providence officials maintain the decision followed a multi-year deliberation, citing an average of only two pediatric patients per day utilizing the unit and the need to reallocate resources to address increasing demand for adult care. However, critics point to the low reimbursement rates from Medi-Cal – roughly 75% of care costs – as a key driver of the financial strain. Medi-Cal provides healthcare coverage to over 12 million Californians. Board of Supervisors Chair Lynda Hopkins opposes the closure and is encouraging outreach to state lawmakers.
Providence has stated it has engaged with stakeholders, but offered no indication it would reconsider the decision.
