The services these programs offer are widely available from other providers in the Spokane County and Stevens County communities.
SPOKANE, Wash. — Like other health systems, Providence is responding to multiple pressures facing health care, including state and federal cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, added costs resulting from state legislative policies, ongoing denials and delayed payments from commercial insurers, higher labor costs, and higher costs for pharmaceuticals and supplies due to inflation and tariffs. These headwinds will only intensify when the cuts to vital safety-net programs that were included in the recently passed HR1, also known as the One Beautiful Bill Act, go into effect.
In response to the evolving health care landscape, Providence is continuing to adapt our service delivery models to meet the increasing needs of our community more effectively. The focus of these efforts is to ensure the core services we provide continue into the future. Remaining steadfast in serving this vulnerable population is paramount to us, our Mission, and our community’s wellbeing.
Providence has made the difficult decision to close several programs in the Spokane County and Stevens County communities. Providence will close DominiCare and the outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinic, both located at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chewelah. Providence will also close the outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy clinics located in Spokane at Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center and in Spokane Valley at Providence Medical Park. The last day of services is Friday, October 3.
The total number of positions impacted by these closures, along with some positions in non-clinical and administrative functions, is approximately 60. Where possible, affected caregivers are being redeployed into other positions at Providence. Transitional resources are also being provided to those who are impacted.
Providence will continue to offer our specialty physical therapy services for cardiac, neurology, and pediatrics. Orthopedica Physical Therapy services will also continue at Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville. This continuation of services will ensure that our most vulnerable patients continue to receive care locally. No changes will be made to the inpatient therapy services provided.
Catholic Charities has indicated that it intends to explore how it can continue addressing community members’ needs following Providence’s closure of DominiCare. Catholic Charities is a mission-oriented organization that accepts Medicaid. Catholic Charities has also informed us that it will be offering positions to the Providence caregivers impacted by this change.
Over the next few months, Providence will be coordinating with local providers to ensure a smooth transition for patients currently utilizing these services. Information and guidance will be provided to assist patients in connecting with alternate service providers in the community.
“This decision, though difficult, is a necessary step to ensure that Providence remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our community,” said Chief Executive Susan Stacey, RN. “We are committed to delivering high-quality care where it is most needed and enhancing our ability to serve our patients effectively.”
We believe these changes are necessary steps toward a sustainable health care future.
About Providence
Providence is a not-for-profit Catholic health care ministry committed to providing for the needs of the communities it serves – especially for those who are poor and vulnerable. In Eastern Washington, the Providence network of services includes Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, Providence Holy Family Hospital and Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center – all nationally recognized for quality care, as well as two critical access hospitals in Colville and Chewelah. It also includes a full continuum of services under Providence Medical Group – Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley (a comprehensive multi-specialty center), three urgent care centers, home health, assisted living, adult day health, skilled nursing care, and over 90 specialty and primary care clinics throughout Eastern Washington. Providence Medical Group includes more than 850 physicians and advanced practitioners. Its medical staff includes primary care providers, surgical subspecialists, and medical specialists. For more information, visit www.providence.org.
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