Numerous healthcare organizations recently shut down medical units and services to shore up finances, focus on more in-demand services or improve patient care lapses.
Here are five hospitals and health systems that have closed units or ceased medical services temporarily or permanently in the past month, as reported by Becker's Hospital Review, beginning with the most recent.
1. Kansas community hospital to close home health agency; public health officials voice concern
Hiawatha (Kansas) Community Hospital announced it will close its Home Health Agency by April 30, immediately sparking concern from Kansas public health officials.
2. UPMC Pinnacle to close walk-in clinic
Harrisburg, Pa.-based UPMC Pinnacle closed its walk-in center Express Lemoyne (Pa.), Jan. 13.
3. Alaska community hospital stops labor and delivery services earlier than expected
Due to staffing issues, Sitka (Alaska) Community Hospital ended labor and delivery services Jan. 5, which is three months earlier than originally planned.
4. Care New England hospital turns into outpatient center Jan. 1
Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, R.I., part of Providence, R.I.-based Care New England, closed its emergency department Jan. 1 and will "no longer function as a hospital."
5. Carolinas Hospital System-Marion to cease delivery services
Mullins, S.C.-based Carolinas Hospital System-Marion will stop providing labor and delivery services in March.