Madera Community Hospital reopens after years-long closure

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Madera Community Hospital is open once again.

As crews put the finishing touches on the hospital, smiling faces filled the newly renovated space on Tuesday.

In December 2022, the medical center closed the doors to its Emergency Room.

"When they first closed, I thought what are people going to do in an emergency? And then I ended up in an emergency and had to be transported over to CRMC," said Madera resident, Donalee Davie.

Assemblywoman Esmerelda Soria and Senator Anna Caballero worked at the Capital to secure 57 million dollars to reopen the hospital.

"Small rural hospitals have a hard time. People like to go to the bigger hospitals if they can, and we need to get back to supporting small hospitals because they're really important in our communities," said Caballero.

From new beds to new equipment, officials say they're back and stronger than before.

"It's been a long journey to get here, and I think people are really ready. A few months ago, I think we thought we were ready, but today we are absolutely ready," said Madera Community Hospital CEO Steve Stark.

The medical center has staffed nearly 500 positions, and more than half of the previous employees have been rehired.

"Now let's get to work because our community needs us. Today, Hope has been restored," said Stark.

Stark said they need a little more than 50 employees to be fully staffed.

They also are still waiting on approval to open the on-site clinics. Officials say those will be open toward the end of the year.

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