Wildfires Test LA Health Care: Doctors and Nurses Step Up

Wildfires are wreaking havoc in Los Angeles, challenging the healthcare system. Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes are under strain. Medical facilities are closing, and routine appointments are canceled. Healthcare workers, like oncologist Ravi Salgia, are putting their duties first, even when their own homes are at risk. Salgia, from City of Hope National Medical Center, rushed to the hospital at 2:30 a. m. to help prepare for a possible evacuation.

St. John’s Physician Partners clinic in Pacific Palisades burned down. Providence St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica was near evacuation, calling other hospitals for help. Hospitals across the county are on high alert, facing high call volumes and road closures. The California Department of Managed Health Care has ordered health plans to ensure patients get needed services. Over 700 people have been evacuated from nursing homes. Power outages and utility shutoffs have closed several clinics. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire have burned thousands of structures and killed at least 24 people. Healthcare facilities are using generators and canceling nonemergency surgeries. Registered nurse Christine Kirmsse is staying at a hotel but feels compelled to help.

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