University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore has reversed Dimensions Healthcare Systems' decision to transition Laurel (Md.) Regional Hospital into a 24-hour ambulatory care center, reports Baltimore Sun.
Under new management details revealed Monday, UMMS said it plans to maintain inpatient services at Laurel Regional through Dec. 31, 2017, at which time a community-involved work group will review and reassess the hospital's future.
Cheverly, Md.-based Dimensions Healthcare System announced plans to close 106-bed Laurel Regional and replace the facility with an ambulatory services center last August. Dimensions blamed the move on declining patient volumes and continuing financial woes.
If state officials approve Dimensions' certificate of need request for a new regional medical center in Largo, Md., Dimensions' facilities including Laurel Regional will become UMMS affiliates. A final decision on the CON is expected by the end of 2016, according to the article.
The announcement to close the hospital precipitated a strong reaction from locals and state officials who argued the closure would cause local residents irreparable harm. Since Dimensions announced the impending closure, the hospital has made nearly 118 layoffs and closed the facility's maternal and child health unit, according to Baltimore Sun.