VENICE — Community Health Systems Inc. will be closing the ShorePoint Health Venice hospital effective September 22nd and suspending emergency services beginning August 29th at 7am.
The hospital company will continue outpatient services, particularly at Shorepoint Health Park on Jacaranda Boulevard.
In a news release, hospital officials pointed to changes in healthcare services available in the area, particularly the opening of the new Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice campus last November, as the reason for the closure.
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ShorePoint Venice CEO Kelly Enriquez spent most of Monday answering questions from employees in various departments at the hospital.
In a statement, Enriquez said, “Over the years, Shorepoint Venice employees have provided exceptional care to the residents of Venice. We are extremely grateful for their dedication and compassion.
“Retaining our valued team members is our number one priority during this transition,” she added.
A network of doctors who continue to see patients in clinics in the Venice region
Current plans call for members of the ShorePoint Medical Group network of specialists to continue to see patients in clinics in the Venice area, and how the hospital can work with one of the remaining hospitals, ShorePoint Port Charlotte. I’m looking for something
The 312-bed private hospital opened December 3, 1951 as South Sarasota Memorial Hospital and was renamed Venice Memorial Hospital in February 1952.
It has since been sold three times, including a sale to CHS in 2014. CHS bought 20 hospitals from Health Management Associates for $7.6 billion.
In 2015-2016, plumbing issues led to raw sewage leaks and other problems, eroding public confidence in the hospital.
Related:The unbelievable problem of the Venetian hospital
In addition to the opening of SMH-Venice, a release from spokeswoman Danielle Gagliano cites the fact that the hospital has experienced a decline in patient numbers, rising labor costs and inflation, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. is due to
In June, ShorePoint Health Venice announced a joint venture with Select Medical, an acute care recovery hospital. This will establish a long-term inpatient hospital on his two floors at the Venice hospital.
It is not yet known if that contract is upheld.
While the emergency department is scheduled to close on August 29, the rest of the facility will be phased out and ShorePoint staff will work with patients, first responders and other hospitals in the area to ensure that patients continue to ensure that you receive proper treatment. Care.
News of hospital closures is disappointing but not surprising
News of the closure began to bubble up with rumors last week as rumors leaked out of several closed-door meetings, which was a disappointment but not a surprise.
“We haven’t heard directly what’s going on there yet,” said Kathleen Lehner, chairman and CEO of the Venice Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We are so sad to learn that the one across the street, and our landlord, will no longer be there.
“I feel it would hurt the community on the island itself,” Lehner added, citing residents who had to go immediately to SMH-Venice at the intersection of Pinebrook and Laurel roads for care.
Venice Mayor Ron Fainsoud said officials at the hospital, known as Venice Regional Bayfront Health until its November 2021 rebrand, had told him about tearing down the existing campus and replacing it with a smaller one. , said the announcement was not a shock to him. 1.
“We knew they were trying to find a way to stay on the island, but it’s no surprise they couldn’t find a way out,” Feinsod said. I don’t think it was possible.”
This is a developing story.
Earle Kimel is primarily responsible for the Herald-Tribune in Southern Sarasota County and can be reached at [email protected]. Support local journalism with your subscription to the Herald-Tribune digitally.