MetroHealth continues budget stabilization plan, consolidates 6 offices

CLEVELAND — MetroHealth announced the next phase of its budget stabilization plan, including the closure of six offices within the coming months. 

Starting Friday, Oct. 3, the following sites will close: 

• Broadview Heights Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy
• Dental Clinic at Old Brooklyn Medical Center
• Medina Health Center
• Rocky River Medical Offices
• State Road Family Practice in North Royalton
• Westlake Physical Therapy at the West Shore Family YMCA. 

MetroHealth said in a news release that many services and employees from these sites will move to larger locations. Patients are being notified if their providers or appointments are moving to a different location; however, patients with questions can call 216-MY-METRO (216-696-3876).

“Our patients and community are at the heart of every decision we make,” said MetroHealth President and CEO Dr. Christine Alexander in a news release. “While closing these locations is not easy, it’s a necessary step to ensure we can provide compassionate care in the most efficient way.”

The health system said that while MetroHealth expanded its service area in the last decade, the expanded footprint has resulted in duplication of services and operational inefficiencies. By consolidating operations and increasing access to care through the offering of more services and expanded hours of operation at a single location, the system said, will result in a more streamlined process.

MetroHealth is currently undertaking a broad effort to stabilize finances and plan for the future as it navigates an unprecedented and unexpected surge in the cost of care for the uninsured in the Greater Cleveland area. MetroHealth said its charity care costs have doubled since 2022 and now exceed $1 million a day. Earlier this year, the health system reduced its workforce by about 125 employees in mostly administrative positions ranging from senior leaders to entry-level hires. 

“Any organization, especially one facing financial challenges, must constantly look at ways to operate more efficiently,” Alexander said. “This move is a continuation of our efforts to right-size our footprint by aligning our resources with our priorities.”

MetroHealth said that besides its main campus, care is provided at more than 20 community locations and that early next year an Outpatient Health Center will open on its main campus to expand access to services. 

“Given the unprecedented cost of charity care and the financial pressures affecting the health care industry, MetroHealth faces uncertainty about future funding for its core mission,” MetroHealth Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Harry Walker said. “The Board of Trustees supports the System’s leadership and knows it is imperative to act now so that we can protect our ability to care for our patients.”