Doctors Medical Center, a 189-bed facility that's served West Contra Costa families since the 1950s, is almost certain to close in July after a $20 million, last-ditch parcel tax failed Tuesday night. The tax would have helped the hospital pay off its $18 million deficit and achieve some financial stability, as it continues to serve about 80,000 uninsured and underinsured patients annually. The only other hospital in the region is Kaiser Permanente in Richmond, which has a 15-bed emergency room - far too small to accommodate the 250,000 residents of El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Pinole, Hercules, Rodeo and Crockett.
