Hospital Closures Signal a Growing Crisis in Healthcare
The recent announcements of closures at Regency Hospital-Meridian in Mississippi and Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania are not isolated incidents. They are symptomatic of a broader trend impacting healthcare facilities nationwide, driven by financial pressures and operational challenges. These closures, occurring within a single week in February 2026, underscore a growing crisis that demands attention.
The Financial Strain on Rural and Specialized Hospitals
Regency Hospital-Meridian, a 40-bed critical illness recovery hospital operated by Select Medical, is ceasing operations around March 13th. This closure, described as an “operational business decision,” highlights the difficulties faced by specialized facilities. Similarly, Bradford Regional Medical Center, part of Kaleida Health, will shutter inpatient, emergency, and long-term care services by mid-2026, transitioning to an outpatient model.
These closures aren’t simply about poor management. Don Boyd, president and CEO of Kaleida Health, directly attributed the decision to “federal funding cuts and long-standing financial pressures across the healthcare industry.” This echoes a sentiment felt by many healthcare leaders as reimbursement rates struggle to keep pace with rising costs.
A National Trend: Increasing Hospital Closures
The situation at Regency and Bradford is part of a disturbing national pattern. Becker’s Hospital Review reported 23 hospital and emergency department closures in 2025, following 25 closures in 2024. This escalating number signals a systemic problem, particularly affecting rural communities and facilities offering specialized care.
The impact extends beyond access to care. The Bradford closure will affect 238 staff members, who will be offered positions within the broader Kaleida Health system. However, this doesn’t guarantee continued employment in the same location or with the same benefits.
The Role of Changing Care Models
Bradford Regional Medical Center’s planned transition to an ambulatory, outpatient care model suggests a potential shift in how healthcare is delivered. This move, pending approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, reflects a growing emphasis on preventative care and managing chronic conditions outside of traditional hospital settings.
However, this transition isn’t without its challenges. Ensuring adequate access to outpatient services, particularly for patients with complex medical needs, will be crucial. The availability of Ochsner Specialty Hospital in Meridian to provide similar recovery care after Regency’s closure is a positive step, but may not fully address the gap in services.
Accessing Medical Records During Hospital Closures
For patients of Regency Hospital-Meridian, accessing medical records requires submitting a patient access form. Forms can be downloaded from regencyhospital.com/locations-and-tours/ms/meridian/closure and submitted via email to [email protected], fax to 717-635-4842, or mail to Select Medical, Health Information, 4714 Gettysburg Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Requests can be checked by calling 717-920-4016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving hospital closures?
Financial pressures, including federal funding cuts and rising operational costs, are major factors.
What happens to patients when a hospital closes?
Healthcare providers aim to transition patients to other facilities offering similar services, like Ochsner Specialty Hospital in Meridian.
How can I access my medical records if a hospital is closing?
Regency Hospital-Meridian provides a patient access form on its website for requesting records.
Are hospital closures becoming more common?
Yes, with 23 closures in 2025 and 25 in 2024, the trend is accelerating.
What is a critical illness recovery hospital?
These hospitals, like Regency Hospital-Meridian, provide care for patients needing respiratory, neurological, cardiac, or other support as they recover from serious illnesses.
Pro Tip: If you are concerned about the closure of a local hospital, contact your elected officials to advocate for policies that support healthcare access in your community.
Did you know? Select Medical operates more than 100 critical illness recovery hospitals across the United States.
Explore more articles on healthcare trends and access to care on our website. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, and insights.
