An ambulance delivered at least one patient to Community Hospital Monday for the first time in nearly three years, the hospital operator confirmed.

The hospital’s emergency department reopened on May 12 after being shuttered in summer 2018 but Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services had not yet approved the facility to receive ambulances.

“Now that Community Hospital has been designated as a 911 receiving hospital, we’re ready to care for any patient who comes through our doors,” hospital CEO Virg Narbutas said in an email. “In these moments, seconds matter and having CHLB’s emergency department available to the residents of the Long Beach will save lives.”

The county notified operator Molina, Wu, Network of Community’s approval on May 19, according to hospital spokesperson Brandon Dowling. Monday was the first day the facility was allowed to receive patients via ambulance.

The hospital’s emergency department reopened with 20 beds, new medical equipment, a revamped facade, a redesigned lobby, new furniture and patient tracking systems. The hospital also has 40 medical/surgical beds, 11 ICU beds and 28 behavioral health beds.

Community Hospital has a staff of over 210.

The hospital officially reopened on Jan. 5 when it received its first patient, a transfer from College Medical Center.

Editor’s note: John Molina—of Molina, Wu, Network—is the primary investor in the parent company that owns the Long Beach Post. Read more about the Post’s ownership here.