In the last two months, Becker's has reported on one health system that closed a hospital emergency department and two more that will soon follow suit:
1. Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health ended acute care, general surgery and emergency services at Einstein Medical Center Elkins Park on June 30, with acute care and surgical and emergency services transitioning to Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia and Jefferson Abington Hospital. Jefferson plans to convert the hospital solely into a physical rehabilitation provider.
2. Hartford City, Ind.-based IU Health Blackford Hospital will close its emergency department and no longer offer inpatient services due to a reduction in patient volume. The hospital will continue providing primary care and outpatient services.
3. Adirondack Health will close its emergency department in Lake Placid, N.Y., at 8 p.m. on Aug. 20 after receiving state approval. The Saranac Lake, N.Y.-based health system sought the closure in October because of limited use of the facility and losses associated with running it. The closure will not result in any job cuts, according to the health system.