Weiss Hospital Closes Friday As Officials Scramble To Save Safety-Net Hospital

Weiss Memorial Hospital halted most operations on Friday after being removed from Medicare and Medicaid programs due to non-compliance with safety standards. The emergency room, intensive care unit, and surgery department ceased operations, while some outpatient services remain available. Local officials and community members are urging federal health authorities to grant an eight-week extension to allow the hospital to meet compliance requirements. They argue that losing Weiss would significantly impact low-income patients and the local economy. Medicare payments accounted for nearly 65% of the hospital's inpatient revenue in 2024, underscoring the financial implications of the closure.

Employees expressed frustration over the lack of communication from management about the hospital's status, with many relying on news reports for information. No patient transfers have occurred yet, but surrounding medical centers are preparing for increased patient intakes. The situation has sparked a rallying cry among elected officials and community members to save the hospital from permanent closure.