It’s hard to argue when a local hospital wants to expand.

Hospitals are in the business of saving people’s lives and helping them when they’re sick.

If the local hospital says it needs more beds, who can argue? They know more about the existing and future medical needs of residents than anyone else.

Hospitals are similar to hotels, in that both entities need warm bodies in their beds.

Occupancy matters when it comes to hospitals and hotels. Unlike hotels, however, hospitals prefer people moving in and out. Hotels like people to stay as long as they like, assuming of course, the bill is paid.

Hospitals need beds, too, because of unexpected events, such as major disasters and epidemics.

There’s also the graying of Conejo Valley.

Like it or not, we’re growing older. And as the average age of local residents goes up, so, too, does the need for beds in hospitals, and in retirement and convalescent homes.

Someday it might be you who needs a bed in Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center.

The only other option will be a hospital somewhere else, but the second choice will be less convenient for your family and friends.

Los Robles also needs a parking garage, mostly for its employees. That’s reasonable, too, because hospital staff is currently using the same spaces that visitors want.

The best parking spaces, however, will still go to physicians.

Show us an MD who walks more than 20 yards to his luxury SUV, and we’ll show you an intern.

The City Council should approve the expansion plan next Tuesday with little or no debate.