Catalina Island's Hospital: What You Need To Know

is there a hospital in catalina island

Catalina Island, California, is home to Catalina Island Health, which includes a hospital and a medical clinic. The hospital, Catalina Island Medical Center, is the only hospital on the island and serves the medical needs of Catalina Island's 4,500 residents and over one million annual visitors. In April 2025, the hospital received a one-time payment of $3 million from LA County to prevent closure due to financial woes.

Characteristics Values
Name of the hospital Catalina Island Medical Center
Organisation Catalina Island Health
Location Avalon, Catalina Island
Number of Residents served 4,500
Number of Visitors served More than one million
Services 24-hour on-island care, recuperative care, skilled-nursing facility, inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation services, long-term care services, routine medical office care, emergency room
Equipment Laboratory, CT Scanner, Ultrasound imaging, Radiology department
Financial Status Received a one-time payment of $3 million from LA County

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Catalina Island Health

The medical clinic offers routine medical office care by physicians during regular business hours, with evening appointments also available. Catalina Island Health also provides recuperative care and skilled nursing facilities. In addition to medical services, they offer wellness services such as senior chair yoga and MedSpa services like IV vitamin therapy and Botox.

Despite being the only hospital serving Catalina Island, Catalina Island Health has faced financial difficulties. In April 2025, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a one-time payment of $3 million to prevent the hospital from running out of money. However, this does not solve the long-term financial challenges faced by the facility.

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Catalina Island Medical Center

The medical center offers a wide range of services, including inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation services, and long-term care. It also has a well-equipped laboratory, CT scanner, and radiology department, similar to mainland healthcare facilities. Additionally, it provides recuperative care and skilled nursing facilities. Most medical conditions can be treated at the medical center, and more serious cases can be transported to the mainland if necessary.

Catalina Island Health also offers routine medical office care through its medical clinic, with physician offices open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and evening appointments may also be available. They also provide MedSpa Services, including IV vitamin therapy and Botox.

In April 2025, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a one-time payment of $3 million to Catalina Island Health to prevent the hospital's closure due to financial difficulties. Despite this temporary relief, the facility still faces long-term financial challenges, and its future remains uncertain.

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Financial woes and funding

Catalina Island Health, which includes a hospital and a medical clinic, is the main provider of healthcare services on Catalina Island. The hospital, Catalina Island Medical Center, serves the medical needs of Catalina Island's 4,500 residents and over one million visitors annually. The medical center features a wide range of medical services and equipment, including a laboratory, CT scanner, radiology department, inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation services, and long-term care services. The emergency room is open 24/7 with a physician on call.

Despite its crucial role, Catalina Island Health has faced significant financial challenges. In April 2025, it was reported that the hospital was just months away from closure due to financial woes. The LA County Board of Supervisors recognized the impending crisis and voted to provide a one-time payment of $3 million to Catalina Island Health. These funds were sourced from Measure B, a tax specifically designated for supporting trauma centers and emergency medical services.

Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the critical nature of the hospital, stating that its closure would have a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of Avalon residents and visitors. Moreover, LA County would face significant financial burdens, estimated at $14 million per year, to manage healthcare on the island without a local medical center. This includes the cost of using helicopters to evacuate critical patients.

While the one-time payment provided a temporary reprieve, Catalina Island Health still faces long-term financial challenges. Supervisor Kathryn Barger has directed the LA County Department of Health Services to work with the hospital to address the budget gap and ensure its sustainability. The hospital is also seeking a new location to better serve the community and improve the quality of care provided.

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Medical services and equipment

Catalina Island Health, which includes a hospital and a medical clinic, serves the medical needs of Santa Catalina Island's 4,500 residents and over one million visitors annually. The hospital's emergency room is open 24/7 with a physician on call at all times.

The medical centre features many services and equipment found at mainland healthcare facilities, including a well-equipped clinical laboratory, CT/CAT scanner, radiology department, and ultrasound imaging. The centre also provides inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation services, and long-term care services. Physicians are available for routine medical office care through Catalina Island Health's medical clinic, open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, with evening appointments sometimes available.

In addition to 24-hour on-island care, recuperative care, and a skilled nursing facility are also available. The hospital also has the island's only pharmacy.

Catalina Island Health also provides MedSpa Services, including IV vitamin therapy and Botox. They also offer free senior chair yoga and encourage residents and visitors to sign up for their email newsletter to stay informed about visiting care schedules, community programs, and vaccine and wellness information.

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The island's only pharmacy

Catalina Island Health is home to Catalina Island's only hospital, medical clinic, and pharmacy. The hospital, Catalina Island Medical Center, serves the 4,500 residents of Santa Catalina Island and the more than one million visitors who travel to Catalina each year. The medical center features an array of medical services and equipment, including a well-equipped laboratory, CT scanner, radiology department, inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation services, and long-term care services. The Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day with a physician on call at all times.

In addition to the hospital and pharmacy, Catalina Island Health also offers a medical clinic where physicians are available for routine medical office care. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with evening appointments sometimes available.

Despite its essential role, Catalina Island Health has faced financial challenges. In April 2025, the LA County Board of Supervisors approved a one-time payment of $3 million to prevent the hospital from running out of money. This funding came from Measure B, a tax intended to support trauma centers and emergency medical services. While this provided temporary relief, the facility still faces long-term financial concerns.

Catalina Island Health plays a vital role in the community, providing quality healthcare to both residents and visitors. The organization strives to deliver exceptional medical care with compassion and respect, ensuring the well-being of those on Catalina Island.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, Catalina Island Medical Center serves the medical needs of Catalina Island's 4,500 residents and over one million visitors annually.

The hospital provides 24-hour on-island care, recuperative care, a skilled nursing facility, inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation services, and long-term care services. The hospital also features a laboratory, CT scanner, radiology department, and the island's only pharmacy.

Yes, Catalina Island Health provides quality health care to both residents and visitors of Catalina Island.

Catalina Island Health has faced financial difficulties and has received a one-time payment of $3 million from LA County to prevent closure. However, the facility still faces long-term financial challenges.

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