![On Nov. 15, 2022, St. Vincent will cease to provide emergency and inpatient services, instead focusing on ambulatory care. [Sisters of Charity Health System ]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d1094ed/2147483647/strip/true/crop/980x551+0+0/resize/840x472!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F9%2F27%2FSt%20Vincent%20Charity.png)
In recent weeks, the public learned that St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland's Central Neighborhood would halt inpatient and emergency room services in November.
St. Vincent's is the only psychiatric emergency room in Cleveland, and one of only two across the entire state. It's the primary emergency department for those experiencing a psychiatric emergency and is specifically staffed with people trained to help and evaluate those experiencing a mental health crisis.
The closure comes a short time after University Hospitals decision to close its Bedford Medical Center - a move criticized by some of those in the community.
Back in 2016, there was uproar across the city of Lakewood over the closure of Lakewood Hospital - which had served that community for 108 years.
The closures all have big ramifications for the populations they serve -- EMS crews will now have to drive to a hospital further away, which could complications that causes for patients and families.
Experts say closures of hospital buildings can be traced to a variety of reasons -- evolving healthcare practices and needs, decreasing revenues, even staff shortages and pressures from the coronavirus pandemic.
Today on the program we'll discuss a few of these closures, why they're happening and what they mean for some of our local communities. We’ll first address the St. Vincent situation, and then zoom out to discuss hospital systems at the state level.
Finally, a conversation with Phyllis Vine, an author and historian who has a new book examining mental health advocacy and reform in the United States.
- Taylor Wizner, Health Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
- Scott Osiecki, CEO, ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County
- Dr. Edward Kilbane, Medical Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Department, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
- Loren Anthes, Senior Fellow and Chair of Health Planning, The Center for Community Solutions
- John Palmer, Director of Public and Media Relations, The Ohio Hospital Association
- Phyllis Vine, Author and Historian, “Fighting For Recovery”
