ASCs and hospitals are facing economic challenges as inflation and labor costs soar.
Herington (Kan.) Hospital, a 25-bed critical access facility, added to the growing list of hospitals succumbing to financial or operational issues.
The hospital abruptly closed Oct. 9, when leadership informed the staff that all services were slated to end that day. In a statement shared with CBS affiliate WIBW, Herington Hospital cited "lengthy financial struggles and consistently low patient volumes" as its reasons for closing.
"Herington Hospital has provided healthcare services to the community since 1919. The support from the Herington community has been invaluable throughout our history, not only in choosing Herington Hospital for care but also in the countless volunteer hours given over the years," the hospital said. "We deeply appreciate the community's engagement and their integral role in shaping the hospital's legacy."
Meanwhile, La Grange, Texas-based St. Mark's Medical Center announced it would shutter Oct. 12, saying it could no longer sustain its $13 million of mortgage debt as revenue declines.