Vincent Medical Center To Close

LOS ANGELES, CA — Nonprofit Verity Health System Monday announced plans to close St. Vincent Medical Center in the Westlake District, saying it was unable to complete a sale of the facility.

According to Verity, the system filed court papers seeking authority to close the medical center at 2131 W. Third St. Verity Health has been working through Chapter 11 bankruptcy and had hoped to transfer ownership of the hospital and three other medical centers.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the planned closure of St. Vincent Medical Center," said Rich Adcock, CEO of Verity Health. "This decision has not been taken lightly and comes only after exhausting every option to keep this hospital open. St. Vincent and its caregivers have had the distinct privilege of providing care to patients in this community. We appreciate both the opportunity to serve and the caregivers who have made a difference in ensuring that patients received the highest quality care. While we regret the closure of St. Vincent, we know that this community will continue to be well-served by nearby hospitals."

Verity's other three hospitals -- including St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood -- will remain open.

According to Verity, current patients at St. Vincent Medical Center will continue to receive care until they can be discharged or transferred to other hospitals. The hospitals transplant programs will be relocated to other facilities to ensure patients "will continue to receive high-quality care from their existing physicians."

Once a judge gives full authority for the facility's closure will be diverted to nearby emergency departments, according to the company.

City News Service