October 24, 2007 - Since wildfires began raging across San Diego County Sunday, Oct. 21, Scripps Health has treated 166 patients affected by the blazes at its hospital-based emergency departments and urgent care facilities.
Scripps officials said patients continue to arrive at its emergency departments with a wide range of conditions associated with the wildfires, such as respiratory distress, fall-related injuries, chest pain, hypertension, sinus infections, minor burns and anxiety. In addition to treating patients who arrive directly at Scripps’ facilities, it also received patients who were transferred from other hospitals.
Fire-related patient visits to Scripps emergency facilities are as follows:
- Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla: 63 patients (15 inpatient admissions)
- Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Urgent Care Center: 42 patients (two inpatient admissions to Scripps Green Hospital)
- Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista: 31 patients (one inpatient admission)
- Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego: 18 patients (six inpatient admissions)
- Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas 12 patients (two inpatient admissions)
All five of Scripps’ acute care hospital campuses are open to provide ongoing patient care and emergency services. In addition, outpatient care is available at Scripps Clinic Mission Valley, Scripps Clinic Santee and Scripps Mercy Medical Group in Hillcrest. Scripps Health is one of the largest health care systems in San Diego County.
On Oct. 23, Scripps Health announced the closure of Scripps Clinic Rancho San Diego and Scripps Mercy Medical Group Bonita, which are located in designated wildfire evacuation areas. Also due to the wildfires, Scripps closed Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Clinic Encinitas and Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley. Personnel from these closed facilities have been redeployed to support other Scripps facilities.
For more information: www.scripps.org