Sturgis Hospital will stop seeing patients at noon June 19 pending its closure, the hospital announced Tuesday, June 16.
“This decision follows many years of ongoing financial challenges facing rural healthcare providers, including declining reimbursement rates, rising operational costs, and a sustained decrease in patient utilization,” reads the press release from Loren L. Corbin, chief nursing officer. “Despite extensive efforts by hospital leadership and the Board of Directors to secure the hospital’s future, including pursuing potential acquisition opportunities and partnerships, a sustainable path forward could not be achieved. This decision was reached only after every reasonable option to continue operations was thoroughly explored.”
The closure will impact all departments, including the Emergency Department, Endoscopy, Surgery, Laboratory, Medical Imaging, Physical Therapy, Cardiac Rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, and supporting ancillary departments.
“Today, the Board of Directors and leadership team express their deepest gratitude to all of the physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists, support staff, and other employees who have continued to provide exceptional patient care throughout this challenging period,” the release continued. “Even amid uncertainty, their commitment to serving the community with professionalism, compassion, and integrity has been extraordinary.
“The Board also extends its sincere appreciation to the physicians, volunteers, donors, community partners, and residents who have supported Sturgis Hospital throughout its history. For generations, the hospital has been an important part of the community, and this decision was reached only after every reasonable option to continue operations was thoroughly explored.”
Sturgis Hospital will notify patients with upcoming appointments so those appointments can be canceled, and arrangements made for care with other facilities.
Any patient who is experiencing an emergency should report to the closest emergency department, including Parkview LaGrange Hospital, Beacon Three Rivers Hospital, and Insight Hospital Coldwater.
Patients in need of copies of their medical records can call 269-651-7824 or by visit sturgishospital.com to obtain the Patient Release of Information Form under Contact Us. This form is to be completed and brought to the hospital. This form can also be obtained at the hospital.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis Hospital to close after years of struggles
Reporting by Liz Shepard, Sturgis Journal / Sturgis Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Liz Shepard, Sturgis Journal | USA TODAY Network
