WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Sturgis Hospital recently announced the closure of its Home Health Service, effective Dec. 31.
Patients will have options for care from other agencies providing services within St. Joseph County.
The hospital continues to experience significant financial difficulties, according to a press release. Over the past 18 months, reimbursements received from Medicare, Medicaid and other insurers have not kept pace with the increase in costs seen at the hospital. Changes in technology, medical practice and insurance benefits have also contributed to a decline in the volume of activity at the hospital, the release stated.
Hospital president and CEO Rob LaBarge said Sturgis Hospital is forced to close nonprofitable departments and is having to look at every facet of its operation for savings to help weather the decrease in activity and decreasing payments.
The hospital board and administration are committed to taking steps to create a more stable financial situation and to ensure that the hospital is here to serve the community, LaBarge said.
