City of Laguna Beach, Hospital Task Force Meeting: 8/20/26

The City of Laguna Beach held a Hospital Task Force meeting on August 20, 2026, focused on the future of healthcare services at the Laguna Beach hospital campus, particularly in light of Providence's plan to cease operating an acute care hospital there by 2030 due to seismic retrofit costs and low patient volume. Providence representatives presented their rationale, including financial and regulatory challenges, and expressed openness to exploring a standalone emergency department if state legislation permits. Task force members and public participants raised concerns about the impact of hospital closure on emergency care access, community health, and local economy, urging exploration of all options including legislative changes, alternative providers, and potential use of eminent domain. The city plans to engage a third-party consultant for land use and healthcare service planning and to commission independent studies to evaluate impacts and alternatives. The task force will continue to collaborate with Providence and other stakeholders to seek a viable, community-supported healthcare solution before the 2030 deadline.