North County Hospital, Medical Facility Update

Palomar Hospital in west Escondido remained operating today despite being included in an evacuation zone for the spreading Cocos Fire.

Hospital spokeswoman Bobette Brown said the emergency department was placed on bypass during the afternoon, meaning it was not accepting new patients.

When the evacuation order for the west side of Escondido was issued, Brown said hospital officials were monitoring the situation with authorities and were "sheltering in place."

Elective surgeries were canceled, though inpatient operations went on as scheduled, or as-needed, according to Brown.

The downtown Escondido location remained operational. Elective surgeries were canceled there, too, and inpatient operations went on as scheduled, or as-needed, she said.

Activities were normal at Pomerado Hospital in Poway.

An Expresscare Health Clinic in San Elijo Hills and a Palomar Health facility in San Marcos were closed today and will remain shut down Friday.

Scripps Health closed its Scripps Coastal Medical Center in Escondido, 488 E. Valley Parkway, because of the nearby wildfires. Patients with appointments were notified. Scripps Health officials said they will announce when the facility reopens.

Kaiser Permanente's San Marcos Medical Offices, 400 Craven Road, also were closed and will stay cvacant Friday. Officials with the facility said representatives would contact those with appointments to reschedule.

Kaiser Permanente members can get updates on closures, appointments and schedules by calling (619) 662-5656. All other Kaiser facilities are open.

Rady Children's Hospital shuttered its urgent care center on Citracado Parkway in Escondido as the Cocos Fire began to spread. Families with medical needs were asked to visit the main hospital, 3020 Children's Way.

Read updates on the San Diego County Wildfires here: Thursday San Diego County Firestorm Coverage.