The Lead Off Sturgis Hospital in southwest Michigan will close Friday at noon after years of financial challenges, officials announced. The closure will end all hospital services and departments and affect scheduled patient care. Patients are being directed to nearby hospitals for emergency and ongoing medical needs. STURGIS, MICH. (WOWO) Sturgis Hospital will permanently close at the end of the week, with all services ending Friday at noon, according to hospital officials. The announcement marks the end of years of financial difficulties for the facility, which serves residents in St. Joseph County and surrounding communities according to WNDU. Hospital cites long-term financial pressures In a statement, hospital officials said the closure follows sustained financial strain affecting rural health care providers. The hospital cited several contributing factors, including: Declining reimbursement rates Rising operational costs A continued decrease in patient volume Officials said these challenges made continued operations unsustainable. Efforts to keep hospital open unsuccessful Hospital leadership and the Board of Directors said they explored multiple options to keep the facility open, including potential acquisition opportunities and partnerships with other health systems. Despite those efforts, officials said they were unable to secure a viable long-term solution. The hospital did not announce any partial continuation of services, indicating that all departments will close simultaneously. Patient care transitioning to nearby hospitals Hospital officials said patients with upcoming appointments are being contacted to have those visits canceled or rescheduled elsewhere. Patients are being directed to nearby facilities for care, including: Parkview LaGrange Hospital Beacon Three Rivers Hospital Insight Hospital Coldwater Emergency services will also be redirected to those locations following the closure. Medical records access and next steps Patients seeking copies of their medical records are instructed to call 269-651-7824 or visit the hospital’s website to obtain a release of information form. Officials said the form must be completed and submitted to the hospital for processing. Next steps Sturgis Hospital is expected to complete its final patient care operations by noon Friday, June 19. Local health systems in the region are preparing to absorb additional patient volume as the closure takes effect, and officials have not announced any plans to reopen or replace the facility. The post Michigan’s Sturgis Hospital to Shut Down After Failed Acquisition Efforts appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less