Doctors, nurses press ahead as wildfires strain Los Angeles’ health care

January 17, 2025

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have significantly disrupted healthcare services, with hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes facing evacuations and closures. One medical clinic was destroyed, and many healthcare providers were displaced from their homes, complicating staffing efforts. Despite these challenges, healthcare professionals remain dedicated to patient care.

Dr. Ravi Salgia, an oncologist at the City of Hope National Medical Center, exemplifies this commitment. After evacuating his home due to the Eaton Fire, he immediately reported to his hospital to assist with emergency preparations. "We all felt very strongly that we needed to take care of our patients — no matter what’s happening to us physically and emotionally, what’s happening to our houses — that we need to make sure that the people we serve were taken care of," Salgia said.

This situation highlights the resilience and dedication of healthcare workers in the face of natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of robust emergency preparedness plans in healthcare settings.

Source:

Wolfson BJ, Los Angeles Times, et al. KFF Health News. Doctors, Nurses Press Ahead as Wildfires Strain Los Angeles’ Health Care. https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/la-california-wildfires-doctors-nurses-providers-health-care/