Community Medical Center Long Beach will no longer operate as an acute care facility as of June 30, 2019, due to noncompliance with state seismic regulations, MemorialCare Health System announced this morning.

 

Independent studies revealed that the medical center sits on a larger active fault than was previously known. The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development confirmed that the center cannot meet its seismic requirements, according to MemorialCare’s statement.

 

“We are all saddened that the findings were not more encouraging for the future of Community Medical Center Long Beach,” John Bishop, Community Medical Center CEO, said in a press release. “Since the land and buildings are owned by the City of Long Beach, we will work collaboratively with the city on transition plans that focus on the needs of the community. In the meantime, we will continue operating the facility for a yet-to-be-determined period of time, providing quality and compassionate care.”

 

MemorialCare’s study also found that Community Medical Center’s emergency room, located at 1720 Termino Ave., handles about 10% of ER visits in the local area.

 

Employees of the medical center are being provided with the following: “‘stay on’ bonuses, guaranteed or preferential review transfer opportunities, job training and placement assistance and ongoing support resources.”

 

More information will be provided in the November 21 edition of the Business Journal.