OakLeaf Medical Network in Negotiations to Purchase HSHS Hospital Properties

Prospective Purchase to Prevent Hospital Closures

The largest independent physician network in Wisconsin, OakLeaf Medical Network, is in advanced talks to purchase hospital properties from Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS). These properties are currently slated for closure, including St. Joseph's Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital, along with several regional health centers. The prospective purchase comes in response to the announced closures, sparking concern among healthcare providers and the public alike.

Impact of the Hospital Closures

Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers, expressed his frustration over the lack of warning about the closures, which are expected to result in the loss of about 1,400 jobs and critical healthcare services in the region. The closures will also have significant effects on other businesses in the area, creating ripple effects in the local economy.

The closures are expected to impact over 900 pregnant patients, 50 dialysis patients, over 100 cancer patients, and more than 20 inpatient psychiatry beds. This has caused other healthcare providers, such as the Mayo Clinic Health System, to seek opportunities to safely increase their capacity to serve more patients.

OakLeaf's Plan to Preserve Hospital Beds and Services

OakLeaf Medical Network plans to use the HSHS hospital properties to create an independent community hospital and expand the number of hospital beds in the region. The organization is actively working to preserve hospital beds and services by looking at creative ways to keep the hospital facilities open and caring for patients in the short term, while expanding the number of hospital beds in other hospitals in the region.

Dr. Kyle Dettbarn, the chair of the board of directors for OakLeaf Medical Network, expressed concern that the region would not have enough hospital capacity for the community to grow or thrive without these hospitals. As the city of Eau Claire is the second-fastest growing city in Wisconsin, the loss of medical care for various high-risk groups is a significant concern.

Support During Care Transition

HSHS is committed to providing information and resources to patients and supporting their employees during this period of care transition. The organization is working closely with OakLeaf Medical Network to ensure a smooth transition and continuation of comprehensive healthcare services to the community.

The Future of Healthcare in the Chippewa Valley

While negotiations are ongoing, OakLeaf Medical Network is optimistic about finding a solution to preserve critical hospital beds and services in the region. The organization's intent to create independent community hospitals is a promising step towards ensuring the continued provision of healthcare services in the Chippewa Valley region.