BMC’s decision to close the unit was not driven by immediate financial concerns — the facility is not losing money — but instead by a re-evaluation of the rehabilitation program, according to the report. BMC officials said the unit is not as cost-effective as larger rehabilitation hospitals, especially in light of future payment changes under healthcare reform. This decision follows the departure of Steve R. Williams, MD, the rehabilitation department’s chairman.
The closure will leave roughly 30 nurses and therapists without a job and 12 rehabilitation medicine residents without a training program. Patients will need to go to larger, specialized facilities for rehabilitation for severe brain and spinal cord injuries.
Inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy services will remain at the hospital.
More Articles on Hospital Closures:
Aurora Health Care CEO Dr. Nick Turkal: Aurora Sinai Will Not Close
Two New Facilities to Open as Marian Community Hospital in Pennsylvania Closes
$2.3M Budget Cut Forces Moss Regional in Louisiana to Close Clinics
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