In September, Providence Health System in Washington, D.C., owned by St. Louis-based Ascension, announced it would close its emergency room Dec. 5 and all acute care services by Dec. 14. Now, part of that closure has been pushed back, according to a WAMU news report.
Providence Hospital will continue to operate its emergency department through April 30 to serve low acuity patients. In addition, the hospital will maintain 10 to 15 inpatient beds to support the emergency services.
"The District of Columbia Hospital Association, after discussions with both Providence Health System — Ascension and the District of Columbia Department of Health, can confirm that Providence Hospital’s Emergency Department will remain open," the association told WAMU. "Specifics regarding other services that will be maintained to support the ED and the inpatient beds will be announced over the coming days."
The move to keep the ER open came just hours before Providence was expected to cease ambulance calls.