Prevea, St. Joe’s, Sacred Heart to cease operation

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a faith-based health system, with operations in Wisconsin and Illinois, announced Jan. 22, that the system will close St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, and Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, as part of a complete exit from the Western Wisconsin region.

Prevea Health, a physician network offering primary and specialty care, will also close all its locations across Western Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley.

The decision comes after prolonged operational and financial stress, related to lingering impacts of the COVID- 19 pandemic, inflation, workforce constraints, local market challenges and other industry-wide trends.

The two entities have initiated a thorough and organized process, to safely wind-down services and to transition patient care to other providers. The majority of the closures are expected to be complete on, or before, April 21, with the exception of the Prevea residency clinics, that will close on, or before, June 30.

HSHS and Prevea locations outside of Western Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley region, are unaffected and operating as usual.

“We closely considered all other options and sought strategic alternatives,” said Damond Boatwright, president and CEO of HSHS. “After an agreement with a suitable partner did not work out, it was determined that exiting the market is the only feasible path forward.”

The closures impact approximately 1,082 HSHS, and 325 Prevea colleagues and physicians, all of whom will receive support services and career transition assistance, including the potential to seek positions elsewhere in the organizations, if available.

“We are saddened by this outcome and recognize it will have an impact for our patients in these communities in the Chippewa Valley,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, president and CEO of Prevea. “Together, with HSHS, we are focused on ensuring continuity of care for patients, as well as helping them transition their care to other area hospitals and providers.”

St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart have been part of the Chippewa Valley for more 140 years, providing healthcare for all ages, counseling and outreach.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our colleagues, physicians and volunteers, for their countless contributions – all of which have shaped the HSHS healing legacy,” said Boatwright. “The mission behind that legacy will guide and sustain us, as we move forward.”