Pediatric Urgent Care Center Opened in Fontana
The new 12,000-square-foot facility offers extended hours for non-life-threatening pediatric care in the Inland Empire.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Children’s Health
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Loma Linda University Children's Health opened a new pediatric urgent care center in Fontana on Sept. 29. The 12,000-square-foot facility provides an alternative to emergency room visits for children in the region.
Why it matters
The new center aims to minimize long commutes and address a regional shortage of pediatric specialists. The Inland Empire currently has 83 pediatric specialists per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the California average of 131.
The new center features 17 treatment and exam rooms and operates weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It serves an area where local specialist density remains well below the statewide benchmark.
The players
Loma Linda University Children's Health
This organization operates medical facilities focused on providing specialized pediatric care to families in California.
SAC Health
This healthcare provider serves 65,000 patients annually and recently underwent significant operational restructuring.
The details
The facility provides specialized care for children, offering an alternative to emergency rooms for non-life-threatening illnesses. This expansion helps address access gaps within the Inland Empire, which serves approximately 1.2 million children.
Timeline
SAC Health closed two San Bernardino locations in August 2026.
Loma Linda University pediatric center opened on Sept. 29, 2026.
Health Landscape
The opening reflects a shift in regional care delivery as facilities navigate the financial implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation projects federal Medicaid cuts of $1 trillion over the next decade, altering the operational environment for California providers.
Families in the Inland Empire can now utilize the Fontana center for non-urgent pediatric needs during extended evening and weekend hours. This provides a pragmatic alternative to emergency department visits, potentially reducing wait times and travel distances for routine medical care.
The takeaway
The opening of specialized pediatric urgent care facilities highlights ongoing efforts to bridge healthcare access gaps in underserved regions. Residents should verify service hours and insurance coverage before visiting the new Fontana location for routine care needs.
Further reading
For more information on regional access to care, visit Children’s Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inland Empire Community News.
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