For at Least Next Week, Blythe Hospital Will Remain Open

BLYTHE — The City of Blythe confirms that Palo Verde Hospital has accepted the terms of the emergency bridge loan approved by the City Council on January 9, 2026, according to a statement from Mallory Crecelius, Interim City Manager. As a result, the hospital will remain open and operational for at least the next week.

As a condition of the loan, the District agreed to contract with Riverside County or a Riverside County approved management team to assume the day-to-day management and operation of Palo Verde Hospital. This is intended to provide immediate operational oversight and stability while longer-term solutions are pursued.

The City took this action to ensure continued access to essential health care services for Blythe residents and the surrounding region. While this short-term funding and administrative support are critical steps forward, additional work remains to secure the hospital’s long-term sustainability.

District officials are expected to meet again Wednesday.

The future of the hospital has been hanging in the balance for months. The Palo Verde Healthcare District (PVHD), which operates the Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe, is on the brink of collapse. Inpatient and surgical services have been suspended since May, cash reserves are nearly depleted, and on September 22 PVHD leadership signaled its intent to file for bankruptcy.

 

 

 

Image Sources

  • Blythe Community Hospital: Blythe Community Hospital Facebook page