Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is closing its inpatient pediatric mental health unit, in part due to a lack of demand, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Rush temporarily closed the 15-bed pediatric unit and two adult inpatient mental health units in March to address safety concerns surrounding ligature points. The hospital planned to reopen all three units after making renovations to correct deficiencies but is now opting to keep the pediatric unit closed.
The medical center plans to dedicate more resources to outpatient mental health programs for children and said the closure would not create care gaps in the community.
Rush is offering about 30 staff members who worked in the unit exit packages or new positions at the hospital.
The medical center aims to complete renovations on its two adult mental health units by June 30, a Rush spokesperson told Becker's via email. The hospital will reopen the units once they are inspected and cleared by state health officials.
More articles on patient flow:
Christus to close Texas surgical hospital, affecting 150 jobs
ACA reduced cancer care disparities, studies find
Illinois hospitals can't fast-track closures under new legislation