Providence Inland Northwest Closes Clinics, Adjusts Workforce Amid Funding Cuts

The decision comes in response to state and federal cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, rising labor and supply costs, and delays in commercial insurance payments.

Providence Inland Northwest has announced the closure of several outpatient programs and workforce reductions as part of efforts to adapt to ongoing financial pressures affecting health care providers.

The decision comes in response to state and federal cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, rising labor and supply costs, and delays in commercial insurance payments.

The affected programs include DominiCare and the outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chewelah, as well as outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy clinics at Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center in Spokane and Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley. These services will cease by Friday, October 3. Approximately 60 positions, including clinical, non-clinical, and administrative roles, will be impacted. Providence stated that it is working to redeploy affected caregivers where possible and will provide transitional support for those impacted.

Providence will continue to offer specialty physical therapy services in cardiac, neurology, and pediatrics, and orthopedic physical therapy will remain available at Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville. The organization emphasized that these changes will not affect inpatient therapy services. Providence also plans to collaborate with local providers to facilitate a smooth transition for current patients, providing information and guidance to connect them with alternate care options.

Catholic Charities has expressed interest in continuing to address community needs following the closure of DominiCare and has indicated plans to offer positions to some of the Providence caregivers affected by the changes.

Susan Stacey, RN, Chief Executive of Providence Inland Northwest, commented on the decision, stating, “This decision, though difficult, is a necessary step to ensure that Providence remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our community. We are committed to delivering high-quality care where it is most needed and enhancing our ability to serve our patients effectively.”

Providence noted that the closures and workforce adjustments are intended to sustain core services and ensure long-term financial viability amid a challenging health care environment characterized by legislative cuts and rising costs.

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