(Eugene, OR) -- Oregon's second largest city could lose its only hospital later this fall. PeaceHealth wants to close the University District Emergency Department and shift patients to its Springfield facility, six miles away. Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinnis says the hospital is needed in Eugene and closing the facility would add 27 minutes to roundtrip transports. The additional hospital capacity would also be needed in the event of a disaster, such as a subduction zone earthquake. PeaceHealth says the closure is necessary, due to declining patient numbers. Opponents say that's happening because PeaceHealth cut capacity over the last three years.