Lutheran Health Network is ending its child care program on its Lutheran Hospital campus in Fort Wayne, Ind., multiple local media outlets reported Jan. 17.
The health system, also based in Fort Wayne, "has begun a transition period" on the program, which will continue until May 31, according to a statement shared with The Journal Gazette.
"We are supporting each affected employee and their family to make this transition and secure new child care arrangements," Lutheran Health Network said, according to the newspaper. "We continually assess the programs we support, and this is one of those times when we need to redirect resources to other programs."
The current child care program has operated at Lutheran Hospital since 1995, through a partnership with child care provider Bright Horizons. Lutheran Hospital first opened a child care center in 1979, the Gazette report said.
Now, some workers have expressed concerns about news of the program ending, CBS affiliate WANE reported.
Morgan Nilles-Comsia, a physician assistant and mother, told the TV station: "I think the biggest thing that frustrates me is that this is a daycare that has been established in this community for many years."
A letter to employees, shared with WANE, provides a list of alternate child care providers operating in Allen County. The letter also states that Lutheran Health Network will provide a six- month stipend of $150 per pay period to employees who will remain employed at the health system for each child currently enrolled at the on-site program.
Becker's has reached out to Lutheran Health Network and will update the story if more information becomes available.