Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services announced on May 5 that it plans to temporarily suspend the operation of its WellSpring Recovery Center, a residential treatment center for adults struggling with substance use disorders, while it works to identify a new partner to manage the program.
In a press release, the hospital's media contact Ina Burmeister said, "The move follows significant and ongoing financial losses in the millions at WellSpring, as well as an analysis of investments needed to ensure the continued delivery of safe, quality care. In addition to financial challenges, WellSpring has experienced staff turnover and a lower-than-average census due to COVID-19."
Interim hospital CEO Don Smithburg said in the release that the hospital has an ethical responsibility to ensure care is delivered in a safe and efficient manner. He said that at the current time the team is not confident that can be accomplished at Wellspring.
"We have no choice but to take this pause in our operations, as we seek to identify one or more partners with the experience and resources necessary to meet this important need," he said.
Effective immediately, Wellspring Recovery Center is suspending new admissions and will work to develop an ongoing care plan at other sites for its 15 current clients.
The 26 employees of the center are being encouraged to apply for open positions at the hospital.
Severance and outplacement services will be provided.
Chief Medical Officer Valory Wangler, M.D. said the hospital is committed to working with community leaders, elected officials and other partners to identify a solution to provide the non-medical services and types of support clients of Wellspring need as they rebuild their lives.
A call to State Senator George Muñoz, who was a member of the hospital board until late 2020, elicited surprise.
"I thought that [Wellspring Recovery Center] was the offsetting arm that generated income," he said.
