Chelsea (Mich.) Hospital is closing its inpatient behavioral health unit and moving 12 of its beds to Trinity Health Ann Arbor, Chelsea Update reported March 25.
Chelsea Hospital President Ben Miles confirmed the hospital is consolidating its inpatient beds by the end of the year and expanding its virtual and in-person outpatient services as part of a new strategy. The consolidation will increase Trinity Health Ann Arbor's beds to 36.
The plan also includes investing additional resources to create an observation area for behavioral health patients within the emergency department, Mr. Miles said. Patients will receive emergency assessment and initial treatment, then be directed to inpatient care at Trinity Health Ann Arbor or support services through the outpatient offices.
"Low occupancy within our units is driven not by lack of demand but by regulatory hurdles and our ability to fully staff these units," Mr. Miles told Chelsea Update. "Not only do outpatient services improve patient access, but expansion of offices in Ann Arbor and Chelsea will encourage earlier intervention, a key component of our strategy."