SITKA – With the new August 1 closing date for Sitka’s healthcare delivery system, Sitka Community Hospital’s (SCH) emergency and acute services will cease to operate on July 29.
SCH’s emergency department will remain open until that date, at which time Emergency Medical Services will be directed to send all ambulances to SEARHC’s Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center (MEMC). Inpatient services, including acute care, swing bed care, emergency, surgical, infusion, laboratory and imaging services will be gradually transitioned to MEMC at SCH’s discretion during the month of July. On July 29, SCH will become Sitka Long-Term Care.
In addition to receiving care at MEMC, services continuing to be provided include Mountainside Family Clinic, Home Health, Oceanside Physical Therapy and Sitka Long-Term Care. Mountainside Urgent Care, formerly Sitka Medical Center Express Care Clinic, will be open to provide non-emergency care beginning July 29.
“Patient care is a priority for both hospitals. MEMC and SCH providers and staff are closely coordinating to minimize patient transfers and any risk factors,” said SEARHC President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Clement. “Transition teams for creating an integrated delivery system have been in place since the beginning of this year to ensure a positive experience and minimal disruption for patients.”