Lisa O'Daley appeals to retain Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe

The El Dorado County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board Meeting held on April 1, 2025, addressed significant community concerns, particularly regarding the potential relocation of Barton Memorial Hospital. The meeting began with public comments emphasizing the importance of retaining the hospital within the community.

Lisa O'Daley, a local resident, expressed her deep concern over Barton Healthcare's proposal to move the hospital across the state line to Nevada. She highlighted the lack of official comments from local government during the project's scoping period, questioning the appropriateness of this silence given the hospital's role as a major employer and healthcare provider in the area. O'Daley argued that the proposed $300 million facility would be a valuable asset to South Lake Tahoe, emphasizing that the relocation would diminish access to essential healthcare services for local residents.

Following O'Daley, Kathy Lishman echoed her sentiments, stressing the challenges of accessing emergency services if the hospital were to move. Lishman also raised concerns about the well-being of vulnerable seniors in the community, urging the board to prioritize services that support this demographic, especially in light of budget constraints.

The meeting continued with Chris Payne from Diamond Springs, who acknowledged the presence of students from Independence High School, aiming to highlight the importance of civic engagement among youth.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's strong desire for Barton Memorial Hospital to remain in California, with residents advocating for continued support of local healthcare services and the well-being of seniors. The board is expected to consider these public comments as they navigate the implications of the hospital's potential relocation and budgetary challenges in the coming months.