Competition closing would in other circumstances perhaps be positive, but an unexpected closure of ShorePoint Venice Hospital in North Venice, Fla., will now leave the community with 312 fewer hospital beds for patients. As a result, the remaining hospital in the region, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice, now may face capacity strains, according to the Herald-Tribune.
Some services with affiliated physicians at ShorePoint's medical group and the employment of its staff will continue, unless they wish it to end, a statement on the front page of ShorePoint's website reads.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice has 110 beds, and since its opening just 14 months ago, has been nearly at capacity the entire time, according to the article.
Sharon Roush, president of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice, told the Herald-Tribune "there aren't enough beds right now to serve this community."
Despite increased public need and the ongoing pandemic, several hospitals nationwide have shut down in the last year, causing strain both for communities that need access and healthcare providers that remain.