Omaha, Neb.-based Methodist Hospital will stop providing home health and hospice services in March, and will instead refer patients to the Omaha Visiting Nurse Association, according to Live Well Nebraska.
In 2000, the VNA became Methodist's preferred provider for Medicare patients and the change will strengthen the collaboration between the two organizations.
Currently, Methodist's home health and hospice program served an average of 70 patients per day, whereas the VNA sees about 2,000 patients per day.
"We took a hard look at continuing to be a small program or partnering with a much larger provider," said Josie Abboud, RN, BSN, Methodist Hospital's executive vice president and COO, according to Live Well Nebraska. "In the end, we felt it was the right decision to partner with VNA."
The transition will affect 40 Methodist Hospital employees, who will have an opportunity for employment with the VNA.