Chippewa Falls, Wis.-based St. Joseph's Hospital, part of Springfield, Ill.-based Hospital Sisters Health System, is reportedly closing sooner than planned, WEAU reported Jan. 26.
In a letter shared with patients obtained by WEAU, St. Joseph's revealed an expected closure date of March 22.
"Our thorough planning process has determined that we can safely close St. Joseph’s Hospital on or before March 22, 2024, due to longstanding low patient census in addition to operational and staffing challenges. We shared this date in patient letters and HR packets the day we announced the closures, and it is noted on signage posted at St. Joseph’s," a spokesperson for HSHS said in a statement shared with Becker's.
HSHS recently shared closure plans for St. Joseph's along with Eau Claire, Wis.-based Sacred Heart Hospital and multiple regional health centers the health system operates with Green Bay, Wis.-based Prevea Health.
The two hospitals were expected to close on or before April 21, with the health centers closing on or before June 30, according to a Jan. 22 joint HSHS and Prevea Health release shared with Becker's.
The spokesperson told Becker's HSHS is committed to providing information and resources to patients to help with the care transition, including supporting their employees as well.
Editors note: This article was updated on Jan. 29 at 3:20 p.m. CST.