By Robert Tomlinson
News Director
STURGIS — After years of financial struggles, Sturgis Hospital announced it will close, effective at noon June 19.
Closure comes after more than 100 years in service.
In the announcement, the hospital’s leadership stated that financial challenges facing rural health care providers preceded their decision to close.
That includes declining reimbursement rates, rising operational cost and a decrease in patient use.
“Despite extensive efforts by hospital leadership and the Board of Directors to secure the hospital’s future, including pursuing potential acquisition opportunities and partnerships, a sustainable path forward could not be achieved,” Sturgis Hospital leadership stated in a press release. “For generations, this hospital has been an important part of the community. This decision was reached only after every reasonable option to continue operations was thoroughly explored.”
Sturgis Hospital’s closure affects all their departments and services, including the emergency department, endoscopy, surgery, laboratory, medical imaging, physical therapy, cardiac rehab, outpatient clinics and supporting ancillary departments. Patients who had appointments scheduled will be contacted by the hospital to cancel them and make arrangements with other facilities.
The city of Sturgis released a media statement, in advance of the closing.
“Losing a local hospital is difficult for any community and impacts all facets of community life. So, too, is the difficult impact on the many dedicated employees that will now be out of work and their families,” City Manager Andrew Kuk said. “Looking ahead, we are prepared to engage with and assist how we can any potential partners that may look to bring health care services to the Sturgis community.”
The hospital has tried for several years to remain financially afloat. Most recent of these attempts was in 2023, when it switched to a rural emergency hospital format. Later that year, it was sold to Asker Corp.
The REH designation is designed to maintain access to emergency and outpatient hospital services in communities that may not be able to support or sustain a critical access hospital or small rural hospital.
In 2022, a $645,000 loan was approved by Sturgis City Commission from American Rescue Plan funds, which was intended to bridge the gap before an $11 million grant from the state they expected to receive, according to WWMT-TV.
In 2018, according to the Journal, the hospital discontinued its obstetrics department and hospice programs, while the COVID-19 pandemic and low compensation from Medicaid and Medicare contributed to their financial struggles in that time. Inpatient services were discontinued in May 2023.
In its announcement this week, the hospital thanked physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists, support staff and others who continued to provide care to patients, even through difficult times.
“Even amid uncertainty, their commitment to serving the community with professionalism, compassion and integrity has been extraordinary,” hospital leadership stated.
Patients who wish to obtain copies of their medical records may do so by calling 269-651-7824 or by visiting sturgishospital.com to obtain a patient release of information form, which can be completed and taken to the hospital.
Anyone experiencing emergencies are asked to report to the emergency departments at other nearby facilities, including Parkview LaGrange Hospital, Beacon Three Rivers Health and Insight Hospital Coldwater.
Robert Tomlinson can be reached at 279-7488 or robert@wilcoxnewspapers.com. Freelance writer Dennis Volkert contributed to this report.
