Cincinnati-based UC Health is transitioning away from providing long-term post-acute inpatient and skilled nursing care ahead of the closure of its post-acute facility and the planned sale of its assisted living community.
The move marks an evolution of the academic system’s care priorities as it will invest more deeply in high-demand services and improve access to primary and specialty care.
UC Health will close the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care by Sept. 30. Current patients will either complete their treatment at the facility or transition to other UC Health locations or community partners. Outpatient therapy services and physician clinics will relocate to other UC Health locations, while the campus’s primary care practice will remain open and fully operational.
The facility’s age and services contributed to “sustained financial challenges” and were key reasons for the decision to close it, the health system said in a May 29 news release.
About 474 employees are expected to be laid off with the move, according to a WARN notice filed May 29. Affected employees will have the opportunity to apply for open roles within UC Health, a spokesperson for the health system told Becker’s.
“This decision, while difficult, is a strategic step forward ensuring we can grow with purpose, expand access to high-quality care and meet the changing needs of our community,” Robert Wiehe, senior vice president and COO of UC Health, said.
UC Health also will list Bridgeway Pointe — an assisted living community adjacent to the site — for sale. There are no immediate changes to operations or staffing, and the system will continue to operate the facility until a new owner is identified.
