FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Emergency and outpatient procedures are not permitted at Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs, the state Department of Health announced Friday.
Also, no patients remain at the hospital, according to a press release from the department.
"The ban was issued to protect the health and safety of patients. The department determined the medical center does not have the means to obtain the proper equipment and supplies for surgical, outpatient and emergency services," the release states.
Holli Senior, deputy press secretary for the department, would not explain what "having the means" referred to.
"I can't elaborate at this time, given that it's an ongoing situation," Senior said Friday.
The department has been working with the hospital to "continue to monitor operations and take whatever corrective actions may be necessary," the release states.
The press release also states the Department of Health has contacted the state Department of Labor & Industry to assist employees who may be affected.
When asked if the hospital would close, Senior said, "It would be premature to say that."
The ban does not include operations at the hospital's long-term care facility, the release states. About 30 patients remain there. According to the medical center's website at www.stchc.com, the hospital is home to 67 beds for those with acute illness and has 40 beds for those needing long-term care.
"It is a sad day for our employees and our community," Jennifer M. Pisarchick, administrative director of Strategic Planning and Marketing for Saint Catherine, said in an email Friday. "Saint Catherine Medical Center is no longer accepting new admissions or providing outpatient testing or emergency department services. At this time, I am not able to respond to any specific issues and ask for your patience and understanding."
Friday's announcement is the latest in a round of actions taken by the Department of Health concerning Saint Catherine.
A ban on new admissions and surgeries was instituted March 23 as a result of an investigation to determine adherence to state licensure and federal Medicare and Medicaid regulations.
The investigation determined there were serious deficiencies and violations at the hospital, according to the letter to Merlyn Knapp, president/CEO of Saint Catherine, from the Department of Health.
An appeal by the hospital to the Health Policy Board has not yet been received, Senior said.
The department may lift the ban on new admissions if it finds an "acceptable plan of correction and the conditions of the facility have improved to where serious violations of the laws and regulations cited above no longer exist and no significant threat to the health and safety of residents at the facility is present," the letter to Knapp states.
The letter also states that future action to the hospital and its license is not ruled out. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may also take action, according to the letter.
On Monday, the hospital's board of directors held a meeting but did not comment afterward.
Also Monday, PPL Electric Utilities filed a lawsuit against Saint Catherine and five affiliate entities in county court. The document PPL filed to start the lawsuit, a praecipe for summons, contained no details about the claim but did have a demand for a jury trial.