CLEVELAND, Texas – Cleveland residents are upset and worried after learning their local hospital has shut its doors.
On Thursday night, signs were posted on the front doors of Cleveland Regional Medical Center stating the facility is closed until further notice.
"Just got sent up here for a routine chest X-ray from my local doctor, and I can't get in through the doors they are closed as of Aug. 28 and I wasn't aware of that," said resident Fulton Thompson.
Patients were also turned away from the emergency room.
"I was going to the emergency because I have an eye infection. I noticed that they are closed, so I couldn't see anybody, now I don't know where to go," said Evan Hudson.
Posted signs also suggested patients drive to the closest emergency room in Kingwood, which is over 24 miles away.
In an emergency, the longer distance could mean the difference between life and death.
"You don't know what is going to happen, if you are going to make it or not, and that is scary to live like that," said Danny Whitten.
"I guess it would be best to sit in my house and wait for an ambulance to show up, rather than get in the car and make that drive for an hour I guess," said Thompson.
The sign also reads, "The ownership of Cleveland Regional Medical Center is committed to reopening the hospital once repairs are complete to insure optimal patient care."
Residents are hoping the hospital will reopen in the future.
On Friday evening, the hospital released a statement to Local 2 that read, "As of today, August 29, 2014, the hospital will be closed for repairs. In the interim, the management is making alternate efforts to arrange alternate health services for the community. Additional information will be forthcoming."