Kaiser Permanente announced it would permanently close its last nursing home in California, resulting in the loss of 249 jobs across a variety of roles.
The cuts include administrative positions, physical therapists, nutritionists, certified vocational nurses and certified nursing assistants.
In a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, Kaiser Hospitals said the decision to close the facility came after a gradual decline in patient volumes over the past 11 years.
Kaiser said services to its members will not be disrupted despite the closures, and patients will be transferred to home care or nearby community facilities where they will continue to be monitored by Kaiser Permanente doctors.
“With ample time before the planned closure, our team worked closely with patients and their families to ensure a safe and smooth transition for everyone, whether they were appropriately discharged back to their homes or moved to a quality facility in their area,” the company said. “To provide this care for our patients, we have built a robust network of excellent skilled nursing facilities in the region and have advanced programs to provide the in-home care that patients increasingly prefer.”
The closure process began in June and all patients had been transferred by the end of July. The company has been working closely with patients and their families to ensure a smooth transition to alternative care.
The Kaiser Permanente Post Acute Care Center in San Leandro is scheduled to close in mid-November.
The facility was previously recognized as one of the top nursing homes in California by U.S. News & World Report in 2018-2019.
Affected employees will receive job search assistance and will be given the opportunity to apply for other positions within Kaiser Permanente.
