Laconia, N.H.-based LRGHealthcare said it plans to merge and consolidate several medical facilities and programs, affecting 16 employees.
The move is designed "to address unexpected financial challenges that have emerged over the last couple of months."
"The changes being implemented by the board of directors are focused on maintaining patient's access to care, as well as their access to their medical providers, and at the same time reducing the cost of maintaining the LRGHealthcare network," Kevin Donovan, president and CEO of LRGHealthcare, said in a statement. "We want our patients to know that the high level of care they expect from LRGHealthcare will continue uninterrupted as we make this transition."
Due to the elimination of administrative positions and program restructuring, LRGHealthcare is laying off 16 employees. Health system officials said they will help affected employees find other job opportunities within LRGHealthcare and other providers.
Under the consolidation plan, the New Hampshire health system will shutter its Moultonborough Family Practice and Newfound Family Practice in Bristol effective March 30. Carolyn Brown, APRN, at Moultonborough Family Practice will move to Belknap Family Health-Meredith starting April 2. Peter Doane, MD, and Laurie Jorgenson, APRN, at Newfound Family Practice, will still see patients as part of Westside Healthcare at Franklin Regional Hospital also starting April 2.
Other changes cited by health system officials include closing Laconia Clinic Pediatrics, effective March 30, and closing Franklin Surgical Services and Operating Rooms, effective April 27. They said the latter closure involves LRGHealthcare's surgical services at Laconia-based Lakes Region General Hospital and the Hillside Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gilford. Elective surgeries, which are currently performed at Franklin Surgical Services, will be performed at other LRGH sites.
Additionally, LRGHealthcare plans to consolidate Laconia Clinic Lab with the LRGH Lab, effective Feb. 28, but there will still be a blood draw station. LRGHealthcare also announced this week it will close the maternity unit at LRGH at the end of May, and is collaborating with Concord Hospital to provide these services locally.
Overall, LRGHealthcare expects all the consolidation of services and program closures to result in $7 million in annual savings.
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