Renton, Wash.-based Providence has shared plans to close one of its Santa Rosa, Calif., urgent care locations, effective Feb. 7.
Among the reasons cited for the closure were poor condition of equipment and the building, physician and advanced practice provider staffing challenges, unplanned closures, and inconsistent operating hours and service levels, according to a Nov. 11 statement shared with Becker's from a Providence spokesperson.
"We are committed to a smooth transition for the few employees who may be impacted by the closure," the statement said. "We will continue to partner with the union representing our employees to support them. We thank them for caring for our community and one another."
A spokesperson for the National Union of Healthcare Workers, however, expressed dismay over the closure. "This closure would predominantly impact lower-income patients and seniors who depend on the urgent care center, and would potentially lead to longer delays for all patients at Santa Rosa Memorial's ER," the union said in a Nov. 13 statement shared with Becker's. "Our members have seen Providence repeatedly cut services since taking over St. Joseph hospitals in Sonoma County a decade ago, and they are determined to keep fighting to preserve critical care for their communities."
Providence will continue to operate another Providence Medical Group Urgent Care in Santa Rosa and its Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Urgent Care in Windsor, Calif.
Editor's note: This story was updated Nov. 13 at 9:38 a.m. CT.