Since May 20, seven hospitals across the U.S. have announced or implemented the closure of departments or services:
1. Butte, Mont.-based Providence Heart Institute is permanently shuttering, giving patients just 30 days’ notice. The institute, located inside Butte Hospital, has 10 providers on staff. It is unclear where they will go to treat patients next.
2. Fairfield Medical Center has closed the practice of David Cummin, MD, affecting over 7,500 patients. Dr. Cummin is currently seeking another healthcare organization to assume control of his practice.
3. Capital Health shuttered its satellite emergency department and outpatient clinic in Trenton, N.J. due to structural concerns. On June 4, the health system discovered significant structural problems in an adjacent building that compromised the safety of its own facility. Hospital leaders said they had “no choice but to cease operations at this location without delay” to protect patients, staff, and visitors.
4. Missoula, Mont.-based Providence St. Patrick Hospital announced plans on June 4 to close its family maternity center. The decision stems from industrywide challenges, including declining birth rates and workforce shortages. The hospital, part of Renton, Wash.-based Providence, cited both current and projected healthcare difficulties.
5. A Haverhill, Mass.-based hospital formerly operated by now-bankrupt Steward Health Care plans to discontinue medical-surgical inpatient care due to low patient volumes. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has initiated a formal 120-day review process, and the change is expected to take effect by Oct. 1.
6. Washington, Ind.-based Daviess Community Hospital Daviess Community Hospital closed its DCH Clinic of Jasper on May 30. The move is part of a broader strategy to improve the sustainability of the hospital system. Leaders said aligning services will allow the organization to serve more patients efficiently without compromising quality or access.
7. Madelia (Minn.) Health closed its only pharmacy May 28 due to rising costs.
