Small hospitals face big challenges

In a way, it is remarkable that Fallbrook Hospital held on as long as it did. The financial pressures that will ultimately close the 47-bed facility on Nov. 17 have forced nearly 100 other hospitals in California out of business since 1996. Last week, facing continued losses that reached nearly $6 million in 2013, the Fallbrook Healthcare District's board of directors opted to cease admitting patients and instead align with Palomar Health and Tri-City Medical Center, both public health districts, to offer a range of outpatient services in the community.