Los Robles Medical Center to Close Pediatric Inpatient Unit by July 2025

In a significant development for local healthcare, Los Robles Medical Center announced plans to close its pediatric inpatient unit, effective July 2025. This decision was shared in a letter from CEO Phil Butel during the Agoura Hills City Council meeting on March 26, 2025.

Butel expressed gratitude to the council for their outreach regarding the pediatric unit, emphasizing the hospital's commitment to aligning resources with community needs. The closure comes after a notable decline in pediatric admissions, with the unit averaging fewer than two patients per day over the past four years. This underutilization has led to challenges in accommodating adult patients who require inpatient care.

Despite the closure of the pediatric unit, Los Robles will continue to provide emergency care for children and maintain its labor and delivery unit, as well as its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Butel reassured the council that the hospital is coordinating with nearby facilities, including Ventura County Medical Center and Children's Hospital Los Angeles, to ensure a smooth transition for pediatric care.

The decision, while difficult, aims to enhance the hospital's focus on services that better meet the community's healthcare demands. Butel concluded by affirming the hospital's dedication to delivering quality care and supporting affected staff in their career transitions. The council members expressed their understanding and support for the hospital's strategic shift.