Hollister, Calif.-based Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is closing its home health services department effective Jan. 31.
Hazel Hawkins interim CEO Mary Casillas said in a Jan. 6 news release that the department — known as San Benito Home Health Agency — had "consistently declining volumes." She said there are duplicate services within the community that will be able provide needed services to its patients.
Home health visits for current patients will continue through the end of January and department staff will work closely with referral partners to ensure patients have continuity of care, according to the release.
The closure affects 16 employees, four of whom are per diem, the release said. The hospital is working with the California Nurses Association and the California Licensed Vocational Nurses Association to follow union contract guidelines for represented employees who may be eligible to apply for open positions within the organization.