VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Good Samaritan announced Friday that it will be closing its hospice services after this year.
According to the news release, the hospital’s executive team and Board of Governors made the decision after an evaluation of health care trends was performed. The hospital claims that the decision reflects Good Samaritan’s “commitment to responsible stewardship and long-term sustainability.”
“Since its beginning, our hospice team has provided extraordinary, compassionate care to patients and families across our region,” said Rob McLin, CEO of Good Samaritan. “We hold deep respect for that legacy and are committed to supporting our patients, families, and hospice team throughout this transition.”
According to the release, the hospital states that hospice care has evolved to the point where services are increasingly being provided by organizations dedicated exclusively to end-of-life care. Due to this, the hospital has chosen to focus on meeting the community’s needs through its hospital and outpatient services, while ensuring that hospice patients continue to receive care elsewhere. Palliative care services will still be available at the hospital, in compliance with the Commission on Cancer’s accreditation standards.
“We have a responsibility to make decisions that protect the future of our community-driven hospital,” McLin added. “By making this transition proactively, while we are in a position of stability, we can provide thoughtful support to our patients, families, and team through the change.”
All current hospice patients will receive a letter with more details on the transition and resources available to them. The hospital has stated that they are working with regional hospice providers and exploring partnership strategies to ensure care “throughout the communities we serve is provided seamlessly.” All hospice staff are being offered positions within Good Samaritan.
