St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis will be closing, effective Aug. 1, a spokesperson confirmed to Becker’s.
In a statement, spokesperson Kelly Webb-Little said the decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of occupancy trends, the evolving industry landscape and St. Luke’s long-term strategic priorities.
“Despite the dedication and hard work of our team members, the hospital has faced persistently low utilization and increasing financial pressures, making continued operation as an acute care facility no longer viable for St. Luke’s,” she said. “Though this decision was not made lightly, it reflects our commitment to long-term sustainability and our vision for a stronger, more focused future in delivering exceptional care.”
St. Luke’s operates the 143-bed Des Peres acute care community hospital, as well as St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo., a 493-bed facility that serves as a hub for its more than 60 specialties and 30 locations across the St. Louis area.
St. Luke’s is working with providers and staff to ensure a smooth transition for patients as Des Peres closes, Ms. Webb-Little said.
St. Luke’s Medical Group practices in the Des Peres medical office buildings will remain open, according to St. Luke’s. Additionally, St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield and the more than 30 outpatient centers, including Des Peres Urgent Care, will continue to provide care.
Ms. Webb-Little said the hospital is also offering positions to affected staff within the St. Luke’s system to “as many team members as possible and providing fair severance packages, career transition services and job placement assistance for those whom we are unable to place internally.”
