Madera County’s only hospital closed. Here’s how residents can access medical care 

With Madera County’s only hospital closed since Jan. 3, its residents need other options for receiving medical care in an emergency. 

Three hospitals in Fresno County have absorbed Madera Community Hospital’s emergency patients, including Community Regional Medical Center, St. Agnes Medical Center and Clovis Medical Center.

Dan Lynch, director of the Central California Emergency Medical Services Agency, said that families who depended on Madera Community Hospital’s emergency department and clinics for primary care as well as people with no means of transporting themselves to Fresno or another neighboring county for the same care, should plan ahead as much as possible — instead of waiting for when they need medical care. 

If you are in need of medical attention, here are some steps you can take:

If you believe you are in a medical emergency. Health officials strongly recommend dialing 911 and speaking with an operator. Describe your situation and follow their directions. 

An ambulance will be able to transport you to the hospital of your choice. St. Agnes Medical Center, 20 miles away, is the closest hospital to Madera. Fresno Community Regional Medical Center is 23 miles away, and Clovis Medical Center is 27 miles away. By car, it would take at least about a half hour to get to the hospitals. By public transportation, it can take at least an hour and a half, with at least three transfers. 

If you are not experiencing a medical emergency but still need medical attention, health officials recommend contacting your primary care doctor or going to an urgent care. While Madera County is now without a general acute care hospital, that doesn’t mean it has no urgent care facilities. 

The Madera County Department of Public Health recommends visiting an urgent care in the case of a non-emergency medical situation, such as the flu, cuts, bites, back pain or minor burns, instead of calling 911. Below are the locations and hours of operation of the three urgent care facilities in the county:

1. Camarena Health Urgent Care on Almond Avenue: 
   • 760 E. Almond Avenue, Madera, CA 93637
   • Monday through Friday: open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
   • Saturday and Sunday: open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
   • By public transit: use Madera Metro’s Route 1 bus going westbound, exit at the Almond Avenue and Emily Way stop.
2. Camarena Health Urgent Care on Country Club Drive:
   • 1159 Country Club Drive, Madera, CA 93638
   • Monday through Friday: open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
   • Saturday and Sunday: open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
   • By public transit: use Madera Metro’s Route 1 bus going eastbound, exit at the Sherwood Street and Country Club Drive stop.
3. Camarena Health Urgent Care in Oakhurst:
   • 49165 Road 426, Oakhurst, CA 93644
   • Monday through Friday: open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
   • Saturday and Sunday: open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

More information is available on the Madera County Department of Public Health website.