Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health plans to close its hospital in Eastern Kentucky by the end of September, according to local news station WSAZ.
The system will close Ashland, Ky.-based Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, which has about 1,000 employees.
Bon Secours said that despite efforts to help sustain hospital operations, it is unable to "effectively operate in an environment that has multiple acute care facilities competing for the same patients, providers and services."
In addition to closing the hospital, other Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital care sites will close and its physician network, Bellefonte Physician Services, will halt operations.
Jason Asic, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital interim president, told WSAZ that the system will help affected employees find new jobs close to home.
"We take the responsibility that comes with this decision very seriously, and we do not go into it lightly. We commit to working closely with our associates to share timely and transparent information, especially as it relates to the transition of services and employment opportunities and career fairs," Mr. Asic said.