Kaiser Permanente has announced the permanent closure of its final nursing home in California, a move that will result in the loss of 249 jobs. The affected roles include administrators, physical therapists, dietitians, licensed vocational nurses, and certified nursing assistants. According to a statement made to the San Francisco Chronicle, this decision follows a steady decline in patient numbers over the past 11 years.
No Disruption in Services for Kaiser Permanente Members
Despite the closure, Kaiser Permanente assures that there will be no disruption in services for its members. Patients have been safely transitioned to home care or nearby community facilities, where they will continue receiving medical oversight from Kaiser Permanente physicians. "With plenty of time before the planned closure, our team worked closely with patients and their families to ensure they all had a safe and smooth transition, whether appropriately discharged home or transferred to a high-quality facility in the community," Kaiser Permanente stated.
Transition to Home Care and Community Facilities
The company emphasizes its commitment to high-quality care, noting that it has built a strong community network of skilled nursing facilities. Kaiser has also expanded programs to provide home-based care, aligning with patients' growing preferences. "We have advanced programs to provide the types of home-based care patients increasingly tell us they prefer," the company added.
Closure Process and Employee Support
The process of closing the Kaiser Permanente Post Acute Care Center in San Leandro began in June, with all patients being relocated by the end of July. The official closure is set for mid-November. During this transition period, the company worked closely with patients and their families to ensure a seamless move to alternative care settings, whether at home or in other community-based facilities.
Impact on Employees and Support for Job Transition
The closure of the San Leandro facility, once recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of California's top nursing homes for the 2018-19 period, marks the end of an era for Kaiser Permanente's nursing home services in the state. Affected employees will receive support during their job search and have the opportunity to apply for other positions within Kaiser Permanente.
Kaiser Permanente's Ongoing Commitment to Quality Care
Although the closure marks a significant change, Kaiser Permanente remains committed to delivering high-quality care. By transitioning patients to alternative care models, such as home care and other skilled nursing facilities, Kaiser Permanente continues to adapt to its patients' evolving needs and preferences.
Comentários