Pediatric Urgent Care Center Opened in Fontana
The new facility offers California families expanded access to specialized care for non-life-threatening illnesses.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Children’s Health
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Loma Linda University Children's Health opened a 12,000-square-foot pediatric urgent care center in Fontana. The facility provides an alternative to emergency room visits for children in a region currently facing a specialist shortage.
Why it matters
The center aims to reduce commutes for families and improve access to specialized care in the Inland Empire. This expansion arrives as health systems across California face significant financial pressure from projected federal Medicaid cuts.
The Inland Empire currently has 83 pediatric specialists per 100,000 residents, significantly trailing the statewide average of 131 specialists per 100,000 residents. The full extent to which this new facility bridges this regional care gap remains under investigation.
The players
Loma Linda University Children's Health
A pediatric academic medical center that provides specialized care and clinical services to families across California.
SAC Health
A healthcare provider that manages a large network of patients and recently implemented staff layoffs due to an operating budget deficit.
The details
The Fontana center features 17 exam and treatment rooms designed to handle pediatric care needs during extended hours, specifically noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. By offering these services outside standard clinic hours, the center serves as a specialized alternative to emergency room settings for non-life-threatening health issues.
Timeline
August 2026: SAC Health closed two facilities in San Bernardino.
Sept. 29, 2026: The Loma Linda University pediatric center opened in Fontana.
Health Landscape
The development follows the 2025 passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which mandates substantial federal Medicaid cuts over the next decade. These funding shifts are forcing regional providers to reconfigure their operations while trying to maintain care access for local families.
Families in the Inland Empire can utilize the new Fontana facility for non-emergency pediatric care during extended weekday and weekend hours. If your child requires urgent care, consider discussing with your pediatrician whether this center is an appropriate option for their specific needs.
The takeaway
The addition of this facility highlights the ongoing effort to manage specialist shortages in the Inland Empire. Keep the center's operating hours on file for after-hours care, but always contact your primary care physician to confirm if a specific condition warrants an urgent care visit.
Further reading
For more information on navigating pediatric care, visit our Children’s Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inland Empire Community News.
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