Palomar Health closes downtown hospital

Palomar Health announced today that it will consolidate its operations by closing the former Palomar Medical Center site in downtown Escondido.

Services at the campus will be transferred to the new Palomar Medical Center on the west side of Escondido and to Pomerado Hospital in Poway, according to the healthcare organization.

“Everyone in our service area deserves access to the best facilities and care available and it is our responsibility to ensure continued access now and for future generations,’’ said Linda Greer, who chairs the Palomar Health Board. “This was a very important decision for the future of Palomar Health, and we put a great deal of thought into our vote. I am confident this is the right choice for the district and those we serve, and we appreciate the staff, patients and community members who had a voice during this process.”

The closure of the downtown Escondido facility will save $20 million, which can be invested into patient care, according to Palomar Health.

Inpatient rehabilitation, and labor and delivery will be shifted to the new Palomar Medical Center. Behavioral health services at Pomerado Hospital will be expanded.

Palomar Health officials will then review options for the future of the former hospital location.