Providence Hospital could shut down as early as Friday, activists warn

​Providence Hospital owner Ascension is moving forward with a plans to effectively close Providence this Friday, despite recent reports that it would remain open until at least the end of April, 2019. A rally at the hospital is planned for 10a Tuesday morning (see Calendar). If Ascension's plans are implemented, "people will die unnecessarily without adequate access to care,” warns Elissa Curry, a registered nurse at Providence Hospital.  DC’s  State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) had rejected Ascension’s plan to close Providence in December because they had not done enough to inform patients and prepare the community for the change, but “Now Ascension is acting like they are above the law,” reports DC Jobs With Justice Executive Director Elizabeth Falcon, who says Ascension plans to shut down the Providence operating rooms and Intensive Care Unit, leaving just 10 patient beds. “This is not OK,” said Falcon. “We will not allow this company to abandon the patients, workers, and neighbors who rely on their care.

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