Hillsboro (Ore.) Medical Center, an Oregon Health and Science University Health partner, will close its 21-bed Center for Geriatric Psychiatry Sept. 4, according to a July 10 statement shared with Becker’s.
The 167-bed general medical and surgical facility is using a phased approach so most patients can complete their care before the service ends and will continue operating the program until all patients have been placed in a safe, clinically appropriate setting.
Hillsboro Medical Center said persistent staffing shortages, unsuccessful recruitment efforts sustained over multiple years and consistently low patient volumes made it increasingly difficult to maintain the program.
“Our team is working closely with patients, their families, providers, and community partners to ease this transition, minimize disruption and help ensure continued behavioral health support for our current patients,” the hospital said in the statement.
According to a July 9 report by the Lund Report, the closure will eliminate 37 nurses and advanced practice provider jobs.
