Ascension St. Vincent closing Bedford hospital, nine practice locations

BEDFORD — According to two warn notices filed with the state of Indiana, Ascension St. Vincent is closing its Bedford hospital and nine practice locations across Bedford and Mitchell.

More than 100 employees are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the closures.

Ascension St. Vincent Dunn Hospital is closing effective December 16, while the nine practices will close sometime between December 16-22.

The practice locations closing are:

• 2415A Mitchell Road, Bedford
• 2415C Mitchell Road, Bedford
• 2409 Mitchell Road, Bedford
• 1600 23rd Street, Bedford
• 2512 Q Street, Bedford
• 2516 Q Street, Bedford
• 2516B Street, Bedford
• 2520A Street, Bedford
• 2759 State Road 37, Mitchell

WRTV reached out to Ascension Indiana, who released the following statement:

"After a thorough assessment of the hospital’s current operating environment and the healthcare landscape in Bedford, Ascension St. Vincent Dunn and all Lawrence County Ascension Medical Group (AMG) practices will be closing December 16, 2022. 

On Friday, Sept. 16, we shared this news with hospital leadership, providers and associates as well as external partners. Plans are in place to ensure continuity of care for patients. Those plans include discussions with local and regional providers to transition healthcare services.

Ascension St. Vincent Dunn is one of two Critical Access Hospitals in Lawrence County, just miles apart from one another. In fact, Lawrence County is one of the only counties in the country to have two critical access hospitals.   

After exploring the options available, including conducting an unsuccessful search for a buyer for the hospital, it was clear that other providers with a larger presence in the region are better positioned to efficiently serve the residents of Bedford and neighboring communities. 

We are committed to supporting our Ascension St. Vincent Dunn community through this transition."