Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie issued the following statement upon the announcement that Providence Hospital will not close its acute care services this December as previously announced:
“Yesterday, the District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA) confirmed that Providence Hospital will not close its acute care services this December as previously announced. Providence Hospital’s Emergency Department will remain open to low acuity visits until April 30, 2019, and the hospital will maintain 10-15 inpatient beds to support emergency services. I thank the DCHA as well as the D.C. Department of Health and State Health Planning and Development Agency for their work on this effort.
I also want to thank everyone who fought to prevent the hasty December closure and in favor of a transition that prioritizes the health care needs of District residents, including National Nurses United, Metropolitan District 1199 DC, Medical Society of the District of Columbia, community members, Councilmember Vincent Gray, and my Council colleagues.
While this delay is positive news, the future of the hospital remains precarious. As we await further details, it is imperative that Ascension—the owner of Providence Hospital—better communicate with workers, the public, government officials, and all other relevant stakeholders.”
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