Leavenworth hospital to close in October

Saint Luke’s Health System announced Tuesday that is closing Cushing Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas, on Oct. 1, according to reporting by KMBC.

Health systems across the country have been dealing with the unexpected costs of COVID-19, causing a financial strain for many.

Saint Luke’s said the significant financial impact of those actions has forced many health care providers to make difficult decisions in how to realign care and services to continue to serve patients, according to KMBC.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, and one we never wanted to make,” Adele Ducharme, CEO of Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital & SLHS North Region, said. “The financial impact of the unexpected global pandemic was unprecedented.”

Saint Luke’s said it invested more than $20 million in Cushing Hospital over the last five years to improve services and enhance the facility. Although the hospital will close in October, Saint Luke’s Primary Care–Cushing will remain open and accessible to patients. Patients will also have access to Saint Luke’s virtual and telehealth options, the health system said, according to the Saint Luke’s Health System website.

Saint Luke’s said approximately 70 employees may be impacted by this decision, but all are eligible to apply for other opportunities within the health system between now and the official closure date.