Press release
On November 5, 2024, the Wyoming County Community Health System (WCCHS) made a significant announcement regarding the closure of its dialysis clinic situated at 11 Murray Hill Drive in Mt. Morris, NY. This decision comes in light of persistent staffing challenges and mounting financial losses that the clinic has faced since its inception.
The dialysis clinic, which began operating in 2022 and boasts six treatment chairs within the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, has struggled to hire and maintain a qualified team specialized in dialysis care. The situation has been exacerbated by a staggering loss of over $2 million in county funding since the clinic started operating. Consequently, WCCHS has proactively put forth a closure plan to the New York State Department of Health and is committed to assisting current dialysis patients in locating alternative treatment facilities.
“Operating a small dialysis clinic in a rural location has proven to be extremely challenging. Finding and retaining sufficient qualified staff to ensure safe patient care is our most critical priority. To compound matters, the reimbursement for the clinic is not sufficient to cover operating costs, which has resulted in more than $2M in County funding losses since 2022,” stated CEO David Kobis. “It is unfortunate, but WCCHS cannot sustain this level of financial loss year after year. We will assist in finding alternative treatment locations for all of our current patients.”
Wyoming County Community Health System (WCCHS) has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Wyoming County and its surrounding areas for over 113 years, maintaining its commitment to delivering excellent healthcare services tailored to the needs of the rural community. WCCHS is a fully operational, County-owned health system headquartered in Warsaw, NY, and includes a 25-bed critical access hospital, a 10-bed inpatient behavioral health unit, a 138-bed skilled nursing facility, and more than 10 primary and specialty care physician clinics. The hospital offers 24-hour emergency care as well as a comprehensive range of medical services, which encompass family and internal medicine, orthopedics, general surgery, podiatry, cardiology, inpatient mental health, and neurology among various specialty services. Additionally, WCCHS operates outpatient clinics in Arcade, Attica, Perry, and Warsaw, NY, ensuring that residents have access to vital healthcare resources.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Medical Director at Wyoming County Community Health System**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. The recent announcement regarding the closure of the dialysis clinic at 11 Murray Hill Drive in Mount Morris has raised many questions. Can you share what led to this difficult decision?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The decision to close the dialysis clinic was not made lightly. Since our opening in 2022, we’ve faced ongoing staffing challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to provide the level of care our patients deserve. Additionally, the clinic has experienced significant financial losses, with over $2 million in county funding lost to date. These factors combined have left us with no viable option but to recommend closure.
**Interviewer:** Staffing appears to be a significant issue. What specific challenges have you encountered in hiring qualified personnel for the clinic?
**Dr. Carter:** Yes, staffing in healthcare, particularly in specialized areas like dialysis, has been a challenge nationwide. We struggled to attract and retain nurses and technicians who have the necessary experience and training in dialysis care. Compounded by competitive job markets and a shortage of qualified professionals, we were unable to build a stable and reliable team for our patients.
**Interviewer:** With the closing of the clinic, what support is available for patients who are currently receiving dialysis treatments?
**Dr. Carter:** Patient care remains our utmost priority. We are working closely with our current patients to identify alternative dialysis treatment options. Our care coordinators are providing resources and assistance to help them transition to other facilities in the region. We want to ensure that there is minimal disruption to their care.
**Interviewer:** This closure must be a difficult transition for both staff and patients. How are you managing the emotional impact of this decision on your team and the community?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a tough situation, and we recognize the emotional toll it takes on staff and patients alike. For our team, we’ve been holding meetings to discuss their feelings and share support. We’re also providing counseling resources. For our patients, we are committed to open communication and are doing everything we can to assist them during this transition.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are the next steps for the Wyoming County Community Health System?
**Dr. Carter:** Our immediate focus is on finalizing the closure plan with the New York State Department of Health and ensuring all patients are cared for in the meantime. Concurrently, we’re evaluating our overall health services and exploring strategies to improve our staffing and funding in other areas. Our goal is to continue serving our community effectively, despite this setback.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing these insights with us. We wish you and the Wyoming County Community Health System the best as you navigate this challenging situation.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. Our commitment to our community remains steadfast, and we will keep working diligently to find sustainable solutions.
