OSF Holy Family to Close Long-Term Care Unit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 19, 2009
OSF Holy Family to Close Long-Term Unit
OSF Holy Family Medical Center has submitted a Letter of Intent to the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board requesting permission to close the Long-term Care (LTC) Unit, the anticipated closing date may occur in September or October 2009 which is dependent upon approval.
This afternoon Mr. Donald Brown, CEO, OSF Holy Family Medical Center informed the employees and residents of the LTC Unit that we will be closing that unit. During those meetings, Mr. Brown stated, “The OSF Holy Family Medical Center has made the difficult decision to take the necessary steps to close our LTC Unit which the OSF Healthcare System Board of Directors and OSF Holy Family Medical Center Advisory Board support. After a thorough and lengthy analysis of the operation, it was evident that this type of service is, and would continue to face decreasing demand and utilization while provided in the hospital setting.”
In specifically addressing the staff of the LTC Unit, Mr. Brown indicated “We have already taken steps to ensure fair and compassionate treatment for our employees of the LTC Unit. We have developed a package of services and benefits to assist during this transition period.”
And, in letters to all employees and physicians, Mr. Brown emphasized, “You should also know that we are committed to assisting our residents and their family members in finding the most appropriate care setting for each person. Susan Higbee, Administrator of the LTC Unit, and her staff will be contacting area nursing homes and assisted care facilities to identify openings and determine their scope of services. In the meantime, we are committed to providing the high quality care and service to our residents and their loved ones that they have come to expect from OSF Holy Family Medical Center.”
Focusing on the opportunities that this will create, Mr. Brown stated, “Closing the LTC Unit will enable us to concentrate on our core competencies of out-patient care, growing clinic services, and in-patient acute care which remain the strengths of OSF Holy Family Medical Center. Our community members will benefit from the improved health and wellness services across the Medical Center which will strengthen our presence here in Monmouth as well as throughout Warren and Henderson Counties.”
This afternoon Mr. Donald Brown, CEO, OSF Holy Family Medical Center informed the employees and residents of the LTC Unit that we will be closing that unit. During those meetings, Mr. Brown stated, “The OSF Holy Family Medical Center has made the difficult decision to take the necessary steps to close our LTC Unit which the OSF Healthcare System Board of Directors and OSF Holy Family Medical Center Advisory Board support. After a thorough and lengthy analysis of the operation, it was evident that this type of service is, and would continue to face decreasing demand and utilization while provided in the hospital setting.”
In specifically addressing the staff of the LTC Unit, Mr. Brown indicated “We have already taken steps to ensure fair and compassionate treatment for our employees of the LTC Unit. We have developed a package of services and benefits to assist during this transition period.”
And, in letters to all employees and physicians, Mr. Brown emphasized, “You should also know that we are committed to assisting our residents and their family members in finding the most appropriate care setting for each person. Susan Higbee, Administrator of the LTC Unit, and her staff will be contacting area nursing homes and assisted care facilities to identify openings and determine their scope of services. In the meantime, we are committed to providing the high quality care and service to our residents and their loved ones that they have come to expect from OSF Holy Family Medical Center.”
Focusing on the opportunities that this will create, Mr. Brown stated, “Closing the LTC Unit will enable us to concentrate on our core competencies of out-patient care, growing clinic services, and in-patient acute care which remain the strengths of OSF Holy Family Medical Center. Our community members will benefit from the improved health and wellness services across the Medical Center which will strengthen our presence here in Monmouth as well as throughout Warren and Henderson Counties.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eric Cunnigham
(309) 734-3141 ext. 405
eric.cunningham@osfhealthcare.org
