CLEARLAKE >> St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, located on 18th Avenue in the City of Clearlake, resumed patient care services at the hospital Wednesday morning. Evacuation orders covering the neighborhood were lifted at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake was cleared to resume service by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) after a full survey of the hospital facility and all operations. The hospital did not sustain any damage and is again fully staffed to provide patient care in all areas, including the emergency department.
“We are able to open the hospital to the community thanks to the incredible work of first responders, hospital staff, our many partners and CDPH,” said David Santos, President and CEO of St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake. “We are proud to continue our mission of sharing God’s love through mental, physical and spiritual healing in this resilient community as we rebuild together.”
The hospital received evacuation orders from fire officials at approximately 2:35 p.m. on August 14 as the Clayton Fire raged. A total of 17 patients were evacuated to Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport.
Hospital incident command remained on-site with staff to monitor safety and prepare to resume service. In total, patient care service at the hospital will have been interrupted for approximately 64 hours during the Clayton Fire evacuation.
Four of St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake’s primary care clinics opened as scheduled beginning Monday to provide care to the community, including Clayton Fire evacuees. Additional outpatient services, including physical therapy and cardiopulmonary care, also welcomed patients.
The Konocti Wellness Center located on the campus of Lower Lake High School remains closed.
“St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake plays an important role in the health of our county,” said Karen Tait, MD, Lake County Health Officer. “There was fantastic cooperation between our two local hospitals to safely care for patients during this emergency. Having St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake back in service will be a welcome return to normal access to care.”
St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake is located at 15630 18th Avenue in Clearlake. Patients may reach the hospital by calling (707) 994-6486.
