Children's Institute of Pittsburgh to close rehab hospital, resulting in 15% workforce reduction

Alia Paavola -

The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh will close its 62-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in April, which will affect 15 percent of its workforce, according to the Tribune-Review.

The decision to close the facility is a result of declines in inpatient volume and increases in operating costs.

"It has become clear that we must evolve once again," the Children's Institute said in a statement. "Over the coming months, we will discontinue our inpatient services, which will allow The Children's Institute to more fully invest in and expand our outpatient healthcare services."

The organization reported an $8.6 million operating loss in fiscal year 2017 and an $8.3 million operational loss in fiscal year 2016. Children's Institute CEO Wendy Ann Pardee told the Tribune-Review this is not an atypical situation, as other similar providers across the U.S. are experiencing the same trend.

The Children's Institute employs more than 600 full- and part-time workers. About 15 percent will be laid off upon the closure of the inpatient facility.

The Children's Institute will still continue to provide outpatient services such as nutrition support, occupational therapy, behavioral health, physical therapy and speech therapy. In addition, its 29-classroom day school will remain open.  

Ms. Pardee expects all remaining patients in the facility to be discharged by mid-April, so no patients will need to be transferred.

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.