Brewer, Maine-based Northern Light Health on Dec. 31 will close a section of its inpatient rehabilitation services, CBS affiliate WABI reported Dec. 12.
In a Dec. 8 letter, the health system told affected employees that Eastern Maine Medical Center will close its inpatient acute rehabilitation program at the end of the year, at which time those affected will "no longer be considered active employees," according to the report.
Less than 50 employees will be affected, hospital officials told WABI. Northern Light said it will work with those staff members to place them in other open positions within the health system.
"We are working to ensure patients are placed appropriately to ensure their rehabilitation needs are met," Northern Light said in a statement provided to Becker's Hospital Review. "This change helps us to meet the greatest needs of the community with the resources we have available, and will not reduce our employed staff as there are hundreds of suitable open positions for affected staff at EMMC and throughout Northern Light Health."