Missouri hospital to close after incurring $17M in operating losses

SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau, Mo., will close one of its four hospitals in March, according to a KFVS news report.

On Tuesday, the health system said it plans to close Southeast Health Center of Reynolds County in Ellington, Mo., and its related clinics March 11.

"We understand that this won't be an easy time for many patients, providers and staff," SoutheastHEALTH's President and CEO Ken Bateman said in a statement quoted by KFVS. "However, we cannot compromise the financial strength of this entire health system by continuing to absorb losses."

SoutheastHEALTH acquired the Reynolds County hospital in 2013. In the three years of ownership, the health system has absorbed more than $17 million in operating losses. On average, the hospital does not fill more than two beds daily.

The closure of the hospital will affect its 45 full-time employees and 18 part-time employees. SoutheastHEALTH will attempt to relocate employees to other facilities in its system, and it will offer a severance package to employees who cannot be relocated, according to the report.

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