Hiring hope: Madera Community Hospital inches closer to reopening with hiring events [Video]

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) — As Madera Community Hospital prepares to employ new staff, hope among leadership and a local doctor grows that the facility will soon be able to open its doors and bring care back to the community.

Dr. Mohammad Ashraf has provided cardiology care in Madera for 44 years.

His practice is in the same parking lot as Madera Community Hospital, a convenient location if his patients face medical emergencies or need additional care.

However, for nearly two years, after the hospital shut down, he had to send his patients to hospitals in Fresno.

“When they go over there, it’s a long wait and then they see somebody who they’re not familiar with,” said Ashraf.

As Madera Community Hospital leadership prepares for two upcoming hiring events, Dr. Ashraf hopes to send his patients across a parking lot rather than over county lines.

“Not only just us sending a sick patient over there. …